Department for Transport

Railway Stations: Disability

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the definition of step-free access used by the Network Rail Access Map only includes stations with cross-platform accessibility.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Network Rail publish a map showing stations in the Access for All programme which, where feasible, receive an accessible step free route into the station and to and between each platform. The information and maps on the National Rail Enquiries website is published by the Rail Delivery Group, the industry body representing the train operating companies. They are responsible for collecting data on accessibility at each station across the network.

Railway Stations: Disability

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there is independent validation on station classification for the Network Rail Access Map.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Rail Delivery Group are responsible for collecting and publishing accessibility data on stations in Great Britain and for keeping this up to date on the National Rail Enquiries website. Details of any independent verification will also be held by them.

High Speed Two: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance his Department has issued to High Speed Two construction workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department has advised its agencies including HS2 Ltd to follow the Government’s policy in relation to COVID-19. That is that construction workers can continue to travel to work on sites so long they are able to follow the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice on social distancing. It is for HS2 Ltd and its contractors to determine whether it is appropriate to continue work or not according to conditions on each site. On 25th March HS2 Ltd paused the works on most of their construction sites to ensure operations could continue in-line with this guidance. Since then a majority of sites have re-opened with currently 71% of sites now back operating.

High Speed Two: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on social distancing for High Speed Two construction workers.

Andrew Stephenson: The Department has advised its agencies including HS2 Ltd to follow the Government’s policy in relation to COVID-19. That is that construction workers can continue to travel to work on sites so long they are able to follow the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice on social distancing. It is for HS2 Ltd and its contractors to determine whether it is appropriate to continue work or not according to conditions on each site. On 25th March HS2 Ltd paused the works on most of their construction sites to ensure operations could continue in-line with this guidance. Since then a majority of sites have re-opened with currently 71% of sites now back operating.

Merchant Shipping: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the crewing of merchant ships on the (a) UK, (b) Red Ensign Group and (c) Flag of Convenience shipping registers during the covid-19 pandemic.

Kelly Tolhurst: These matters are flag blind, I wrote to the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization on 23rd March stating that as a port state the UK will continue to recognise its international obligations and allow seafarers to transit and transfer in the UK and to access shore leave. I have spoken with Lord Ahmad (Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) regarding specific issues with the repatriation of seafarers.As the flag state authority, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has made specific measures in regard certification and employment to aid shipowners and seafarers with crewing arrangements.

Merchant Shipping: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the effect that restrictions on the international aviation industry in response to the  pandemic covid-19 pandemic are having on the ability of the merchant shipping industry to ensure that merchant seafarers in the (a) UK and (b) international shipping industry can return home at the end of their contracted voyage in line with (i) the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014  and (ii) Regulation 2.5 of the Maritime Labour Convention.

Kelly Tolhurst: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been very clear that the pandemic does not remove the duty of care that ship operators have to their seafarers. I wrote to the UN agencies on 23rd March setting out the UK will continue to permit seafarers to transit and transfer in the UK and access to shore leave. This letter was shared with all state parties to the agencies. The ILO and the International Maritime Organization have also issued guidance to all state parties to recognise seafarers as key workers and to remind states of their obligations under international maritime law to facilitate the movement of seafarers and to allow seafarers to be repatriated. I have spoken with Lord Ahmad (Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) regarding specific issues with the repatriation of seafarers.

Transport: Greater London

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requisitioning control of transport services in London during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: Transport in London is devolved. The Government has issued guidance and we are working closely with TfL on their response to the Covid-19 crisis, which is focused on targeted operational interventions on the tube network and supporting rail network. Data on passenger numbers shows a significant reduction, with tube travel down 96% compared to last year (as of 26 April).

Helicopters: Offshore Industry

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential economic effect on offshore helicopter operators in the North Sea of the recent fall in the price of oil.

Kelly Tolhurst: The government is not planning to make an assessment focusing specifically on offshore helicopter operators in the North Sea. However, the government will consider the offshore helicopter sector as part of its wider work on how it can best support the aviation sector and ensure it remains resilient.

Helicopters: Offshore Industry

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to issue guidance on covid-19 to (a) passengers, (b) crew and (c) operators in the offshore transport sector of the commercial helicopter industry.

Kelly Tolhurst: No guidance has been issued specifically to the commercial offshore transport sector industry. However, the sector is covered by the wider guidance published by Public Health England, including on social distancing and on the use of personal protective equipment. In addition, as is the case with other sectors, all non-essential services must stop, including training. An exception would be made if the service provider offers essential or emergency services, including search and rescue, medical, firefighting or key personnel movement – during which the usual social distancing guidelines should apply where possible.

Railways: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the  potential merits of ceasing food services on trains while ensuring that all food service staff are retained on full pay during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Our priority is to ensure the safety of both employees and passengers, as well as the ongoing provision of passenger and freight services. Operators and their suppliers, including those to whom catering is subcontracted, are working to resource trains appropriately, protect staff wellbeing and provide essential services for those who must travel, such as key workers who may have accessibility requirements. On-board catering services should cease, unless it is possible to serve pre-packed food that requires minimal contact. Catering staff can and have been deployed to do other tasks on our railways.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is holding discussions with the airline industry on the emergence of above-market-rate ticket prices for repatriation flights.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 21 April 2020



Ministers and officials are meeting regularly with the aviation sector. The Government is absolutely focused on working with the sector to ensure that UK citizens can make their way home. We have agreed with airlines that they will keep as many commercial routes open as they can, for as long as they can. We are working with international partners to facilitate this. In some countries where commercial routes are no longer an option, we have worked with airlines to charter their aircraft to help stranded British travellers return home. The government is paying for these flights but we have a responsibility to the taxpayer. Therefore, we are asking passengers to pay a share of the overall cost. Flights are costed differently based on country of origin however the ticket cost only reflects a proportion of the overall costs. Foreign Office officials will be able to offer support to British travellers unable to pay including an emergency loan as a last resort.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of barring inbound flights as a result of covid-19.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 21 April 2020



In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is working to a scientifically-led, step-by-step action plan, focusing on taking the right measures at the right time.Targeted screening measures were carried out at UK airports for inbound passengers during the containment phase of the pandemic when the aim was to prevent the virus coming in to the UK.Whilst there is community transmission within the UK, the role played by imported cases is less significant and so our focus in the current delay phase has not been on screening measures at the border. Additionally, it is vital that flights are still able to land in the UK in order to allow Britons who have been stranded abroad as a result of the pandemic to return home, and to allow key supplies to continue moving into and around the UK.Airlines and airports have already implemented additional measures in response to COVID-19 in line with advice from PHE, SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Airports are displaying posters and digital signage relaying Government information about COVID-19. Passengers arriving into UK airports are being given a leaflet with information about the measures in place in the UK, and announcements are made on aircraft an hour before landing.As you would expect our approach is being kept under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with bus companies on compensation for people with bus passes who are not travelling during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: The Department has been engaging with bus trade organisations and operators to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the bus industry. These discussions, along with the support package announced on 3 April, are ensuring services continue to be provided for essential journeys. Compensation for people with bus passes or season tickets who are not travelling is a matter for each operator. Bus operators should provide clear information and processes for those seeking compensation or refunds and I would emphasise the operator’s role in providing first class communication on this issue.

London Underground: Coronavirus

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Transport for London on increasing the number of underground trains in order to prevent the overcrowding of key workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: Ministers and officials from the Department for Transport hold regular discussions with Transport for London and the Mayor of London’s office on a range of issues relating to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department will continue to work closely with TfL on the provision of transport services in London. As of 20 April, travel on the Underground was down 94% compared with a year ago and the majority of services currently running are with very light loadings.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what checks are being conducted to establish the health of incoming travellers at UK airports during the covid-19 pandemic.

Kelly Tolhurst: In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is working to a scientifically-led, step-by-step action plan, focusing on taking the right measures at the right time. Targeted screening measures were carried out at UK airports for inbound passengers during the containment phase of the pandemic when the aim was to prevent the virus coming in to the UK. Whilst there is community transmission within the UK, the role played by imported cases is less significant and so our focus in the current delay phase has not been on screening measures at the border. Additionally, it is vital that flights are still able to land in the UK in order to allow Britons who have been stranded abroad as a result of the pandemic to return home, and to allow key supplies to continue moving into and around the UK. Airlines and airports have already implemented additional measures in response to COVID-19 in line with advice from PHE, SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Airports are displaying posters and digital signage relaying Government information about COVID-19. Passengers arriving into UK airports are being given a leaflet with information about the measures in place in the UK, and announcements are made on aircraft an hour before landing. As you would expect our approach is being kept under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on sector-wide plans to help UK airlines tackle the effect of covid-19.

Kelly Tolhurst: The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and will be able to draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including a Bank of England scheme for firms to raise capital, Time to Pay flexibilities with tax bills, financial support for employees and VAT deferrals. If airlines, airports or other aviation organisations find themselves in trouble as a result of coronavirus, even following the Government’s cross-economy wage and financial interventions, the Transport Secretary and Chancellor have confirmed that Government remains open to discussions about further cross-sector measures industry may suggest; and that any company can approach Government as a last resort, after exhausting the comprehensive package that have been put in place and all other options. Any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the competitiveness of UK airlines of plans put in place by other European Governments to tackle the effects of covid-19 on their aviation industries.

Kelly Tolhurst: The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and will be able to draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor. These measures will be essential to support the sector ensuring there is sufficient capacity to protect global travel routes, continue repatriation, freight and maintain vital connectivity. Government has not yet undertaken a formal assessment of the impacts on competition of European support for airlines. We are committed to the recovery of the sector in order to ensure a global and connected Britain; support our levelling up agenda through regional connectivity and the strengthening of ties within the Union; enable strong sector competition on domestic and global levels; and provide critical infrastructure to support essential public services.

Motor Vehicles: Testing

Carol Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what provisions he is putting in place for key workers not able to secure an annual MOT test for their vehicle before 30 March 2020.

Rachel Maclean: Drivers, including key workers, whose vehicles were due an MOT up to and including 29 March 2020 will need to get their vehicle tested if they need to use it.MOT centres and garages are allowed to stay open to carry out MOTs, and retests, of vehicles that had an MOT due before 30 March 2020. Garages can also stay open to carry out essential repairs or services.The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has provided advice to MOT garages on what they can do to limit the spread of the coronavirus by:following social distancing advice and keeping at least 2 metres between customers and members of staff at all times;reminding employees and customers to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal;frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly;using seat covers and new disposable gloves for every test;avoiding handling cash and instead use mobile or contactless card payments where possible (the contactless payment limit in the UK increased from £30 to £45 on 1 April 2020); andthe MOT centre not issuing a paper copy of the MOT certificate (a copy of the certificate can be downloaded after the test).A vehicle cannot be driven on the road if the MOT has run out. The only exceptions to this are driving to a pre-arranged MOT test, and driving to or from somewhere for repairs to be carried out.MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by six months if the MOT test was due on or after 30 March 2020, but it is essential that vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition and safe to drive.The introduction of MOT exemptions for cars, motorcycles and light vans required new legislation. It was not possible for this legislation to come into effect before 30 March, or for it to be applied retrospectively.The Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to make sure people are not unfairly penalised for not being able to get an MOT whilst they are unable to do so.

A63: Kingston upon Hull

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to make a decision on the A63 improvement scheme.

Rachel Maclean: The Secretary of State will lay a Written Ministerial Statement in Parliament announcing a new date for the A63 Castle Street Improvement Hull - Development Consent Order.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Kate Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much money will be allocated from the £2.5 billion pothole fund to each local authority in (a) England and (b) Staffordshire.

Rachel Maclean: Funding for 2020/21 for individual authorities in England and Staffordshire from the £2.5 billion Pothole Fund will be announced shortly.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he (a) has taken and (b) is taking to ensure that HS2 workers observe social distancing requirements; and if he will he make a statement.

Andrew Stephenson: The Government’s current policy is that construction activity should continue where it can be undertaken in accordance with the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice. I have asked HS2 Ltd to work closely with their construction partners to ensure compliance with these guidelines in order to protect their workforce and local communities. Sites will not operate where this cannot be achieved.

Railways: Coronavirus

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps with train operating companies to compensate key workers commuting to work by train using a reduced train service during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: We greatly value the vital role that our heroic key workers are playing, which is why we are focused on protecting the public transport services they rely upon to get to and from work. We have taken decisive action to financially support rail operators to ensure services can continue to operate. Passengers are entitled to claim delay compensation in the normal way for delays experienced against the new timetables.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) assurances were sought and (b) undertakings were obtained from each of the companies and consortia given notice to proceed on HS2 construction on 15 April 2020 that their financial position was not at risk as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Andrew Stephenson: The contracting organisations associated with the notice to proceed instruction given by HS2 Ltd are formed of joint ventures. All of the Joint Ventures that have received a Notice to Proceed are joint and severally liable for their contractual requirements and therefore provide mitigation to any financial risk that materialises. Each contracting company was also required to provide a Parent Company Guarantee from a parent of sufficient financial standing. Both the contracting companies and Parent Companies have had their financial standing tested and scrutinised during both procurement and then again at the point of award for their contracts. Since the point of award HS2 Ltd have continuously monitored financial indicators. In the run up to notice to proceed, at which point the Covid-19 outbreak materially impacted operations, the contracting structures negotiated with the joint venture organisations were moderated to recognise the event.

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on levels of demand for public transport.

Kelly Tolhurst: Latest data on public transport usage is made available each day as part of the daily coronavirus update. The data and slides can be found at the following webpagehttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/slides-and-datasets-to-accompany-coronavirus-press-conferences

Railways: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility's 14 April 2020 finding that GDP could fall by 35 per cent in the second quarter of 2020, whether his Department has made an assessment of the economic effect of the covid-19 outbreak on levels of demand for railway travel.

Chris Heaton-Harris: This crisis will have a long-lasting impact on our society – but it is too early to predict what that may mean in practice. There are a number of factors that will determine the demand for rail travel, including when lockdown restrictions are lifted, the nature of social distancing guidelines put in place going forward, and how people’s attitudes towards rail travel may have changed. In the short term, we have stabilised the industry to ensure essential services are still running, and goods and rail passengers can get where they are needed most.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the construction costs of HS2; and if he will he make a statement.

Andrew Stephenson: The Government is getting on with HS2 where this can be done in a way that protects local communities and workers. Whilst important work continues in line with the safety guidance, there will inevitably be an impact on progress. HS2 Ltd is currently working with its suppliers to assess this and we will update Parliament on the impact on schedule and cost in due course once the restrictions have been lifted and the impact can be properly assessed. The current schedule and cost estimates contain contingency to address these impacts.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the construction timetable for HS2 phase one.

Andrew Stephenson: The Government is getting on with HS2 where this can be done in a way that protects local communities and workers. Whilst important work continues in line with the safety guidance, there will inevitably be an impact on progress. HS2 Ltd is currently working with its suppliers to assess this and we will update Parliament on the impact on schedule and cost in due course once the restrictions have been lifted and the impact can be properly assessed. The current schedule and cost estimates contain contingency to address these impacts.

Railway Stations: Disability

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will provide details of the accessibility criteria for stations on the National Rail Accessibility Map; and whether he has plans to update those criteria in each of the next 12 months.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Rail Delivery Group are responsible for collecting and publishing accessibility data on stations in Great Britain and for keeping this up to date on the National Rail Enquiries website. Details of the accessibility criteria used will also be held by them.

Small Businesses: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a comparative assessment of the terms of support offered to similar SME leaseholders by (a) Network Rail, (b) Transport for London and (c) the Arch Company to protect those SMEs during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Network Rail has offered SME commercial estate tenants a three-month zero-rent period between April and June 2020. In deciding on this course of action, Network Rail worked to understand the offers of support proposed by those in similar situations, including the Arch Company and Transport for London.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to introduce restrictions on international air travel to the UK as a result of covid-19.

Kelly Tolhurst: It is very important that flights are still able to land in the UK in order to allow Britons who have been stranded abroad as a result of the pandemic to return home, and to allow vital supplies to keep moving into and around the UK. The Government is currently focused on returning British nationals and residents home. Government will focus on British people and their families who normally live in the UK and are trying to return home. This includes short-term British travellers and direct family members but does not include British overseas residents.In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is working to a scientifically-led, step-by-step action plan, focusing on taking the right measures at the right time. Airlines and airports have already implemented additional measures in response to COVID-19 in line with advice from PHE, SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Airports are displaying posters and digital signage relaying Government information about COVID-19. Passengers arriving into UK airports are being given a leaflet with information about the measures in place in the UK, and announcements are made on aircraft an hour before landing. Government will keep this process under review as the pandemic develops. This may mean that measures and procedures change as we control the spread of, and understand more about, the virus. Any changes to our approach will be led by advice from SAGE and the Chief Medical Officer. Protecting the health of the UK public will always come first.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will suspend all HS2 (a) preparation and (b) construction work during the covid-19 outbreak.

Andrew Stephenson: The Government’s current policy is that construction activity, including HS2, should continue where it can be undertaken in accordance with the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice. I have asked HS2 Ltd to work closely with their construction partners to ensure compliance with these guidelines in order to protect local communities and their workforce. Sites will not operate where this cannot be achieved.

Driving Tests: Coronavirus

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if the Government will extend the validity period of learner driver theory test certificates to ensure learner drivers who cannot take a practical driving test as a result of the outbreak of covid-19 do not have to retake the theory test.

Rachel Maclean: The Department for Transport is aware of the issue of theory tests that are about to expire shortly. We are currently considering options on this matter. People can still apply for an emergency practical driving test if their work is critical to the COVID-19 response.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Small Businesses: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether currency exchange kiosks are eligible to apply for covid-19 small business support.

Nadhim Zahawi: All businesses in receipt of the Small Business Rate Relief on or before the 11th March 2020 are eligible for the Small Business Grants Fund. Where currency exchange kiosks have their own business rating and meet the eligibility criteria, they are eligible for the Small Business grant of £10,000.

Electricians and Plumbers: Coronavirus

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) plumbers and (b) electricians working for clients in confined spaces in domestic properties do not transmit covid-19 between their clients' households.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policy on work and social distancing of 2 metres of utility workers working (a) in confined domestic residences on jobs that require multiple workers and (b) on construction sites on jobs that require materials to be transported between individuals.

Nadhim Zahawi: Construction and utility workers play a crucial role in supporting our public services, as well as in providing and maintaining safe, decent homes for people to live in. Based on current medical advice, utility workers who cannot work from home, who show no symptoms of Covid-19, and who live in households where no person is self-isolating, can continue to go to work. We encourage households to continue to engage with tradespeople on this basis so that essential repairs and maintenance can be carried out. Where such work takes place, Public Health England (PHE) guidelines should be followed, including social distancing measures where possible. Construction activity can continue in line with PHE guidance. Through the Construction Leadership Council, the construction industry has issued Site Operating Procedures (SOP), which align with PHE guidance. The SOP set out that, where it is not possible or safe for workers to distance themselves from each other by 2 metres, then employers should closely consider whether the activity needs to continue for the site to operate.

Companies: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will set up a hotline for members of the public to report organisations and companies that do not comply with Government policy on closing of premises and working from home in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nadhim Zahawi: We would urge employers to take socially responsible decisions and listen to the concerns of their workforce. Employers and employees should come to a pragmatic agreement about these arrangements. Where a worker has a concern about health and safety which cannot be resolved through speaking with their employer or trade union, they can contact the relevant enforcement agency – either their local authority or the Health and Safety Executive. Where the Health and Safety Executive are made aware of an employer not complying with the relevant Public Health England guidance (including enabling social distancing where it is practical to do so), HSE will consider a range of action, from providing specific advice to employers through to issuing enforcement notices.

Employment: Disease Control

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what guidance the Government has provided on what employees should do if their employer is asking them to continue going to work and (a) their job role could be completed at home or (b) social distancing is not adhered to.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Government has been clear that employers should carefully consider Public Health England’s social distancing guidance. The guidance sets out that employers should help their staff to find alternative arrangements to support them to work from home, , including providing suitable IT and equipment to enable remote working.Where people cannot work from home, they can continue going into their place of work as long as Public Health England’s guidance is closely followed. This is consistent with the Chief Medical Officer’s advice.Where a worker has a concern about health and safety which cannot be resolved through speaking with their employer or trade union, they can contact the relevant enforcement agency – either their local authority or the Health and Safety Executive. Where the Health and Safety Executive are made aware of an employer not complying with the relevant Public Health England guidance (including enabling social distancing where it is practical to do so), the Health and Safety Executive will consider a range of actions, from providing specific advice to employers through to issuing enforcement notices.

Manufacturing Industries

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK is not dependent on the supply of (a) foodstuffs, (b) medicines and (c) other essential goods from other countries after the resolution of the covid-19 outbreak.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Government is working around the clock to support UK manufacturers to continue producing essential goods and products. Industry has risen to the challenge, working with UK suppliers to produce ventilators and other vital equipment. We have put in place an unprecedented package of Government support to help with business continuity and to give manufacturers and their suppliers the support they need to ensure they can get back up and running after the Covid-19 crisis. These measures include:- £330 billion of Government-backed and guaranteed loans to support UK businesses.- The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to help small and medium-sized businesses to access vital financial support.- Our new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme to allow more firms to benefit from Government-backed support during this difficult time.- Deferring VAT payments for firms until the end of June 2020, which represents a £30 billion injection into the economy.- Our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, where small and large employers will be eligible to apply for a Government grant of 80% of workers’ salaries up to £2,500 a month, backdated to 1 March 2020 and available for at least three months. Our high degree of food security is built on access to a range of sources, including our strong domestic production and imports from a range of stable sources around the world. It is important that we have access to a diverse range of supply through international trade for consumer choice. It is also vital that we supplement domestic production and ensure that any disruption from adverse weather or disease does not affect our overall security of supply. There are over 14,000 medicines currently licensed for use and marketed in the UK. Whilst some of these are manufactured in the UK, most are manufactured abroad. Where medicines are manufactured here, the active ingredients and excipients for those medicines may be manufactured abroad. It is not possible to manufacture every medicine and the active ingredients and excipients needed for these medicines here in the UK The production of medicines is complex and highly regulated, and materials and processes must meet rigorous safety and quality standards. However, the Department of Health and Social Care has established robust procedures to deal with any medicine shortages and there is a team within that Department which helps prevent shortages.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that banks taking part in the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme do not require a personal guarantee from business directors to secure loans of less than £250,000.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Parental Pay

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure expectant fathers that have been furloughed and are receiving 80 per cent of their normal pay are not disadvantaged in qualifying for Statutory Paternity Pay because of a reduction in their earnings.

Paul Scully: The Government is committed to making sure that all employees are supported at this time. We are currently considering how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme interacts with existing employment rights to family-related payments, including Statutory Paternity Pay, to ensure that the scheme works for parents.

Conditions of Employment: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that businesses uphold workers' rights during the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: This Government is working to minimise any social and economic disruption as a result of Covid-19.We would urge employers to take socially responsible decisions and listen to the concerns of their workforce. Employers and employees should come to a pragmatic agreement about these arrangements.While most employers act responsibly, a small number fail to respect their workers employment rights. Labour market enforcement bodies continue to respond to complaints from workers either received directly or through the online form on gov.uk.

Supermarkets: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what processes are in place for the Government to monitor compliance of supermarkets with covid-19 legislation.

Paul Scully: Everyone must comply with the rules issued by Government in relation to Coronavirus, in order to protect both themselves and others. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 are the regulations in England that cover enforcement of violations of the Government’s rules on social distancing (Scotland and Wales have their own legislation). In England, Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers will monitor compliance with these regulations, with police support provided if appropriate.

Parental Pay

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many people started receiving (a) statutory paternity pay and (b) shared parental pay in each quarter since April 2015.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Post Offices: ICT

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much the special shareholder approved in the Post Office Horizon litigation; and whether the special shareholder took into account the amount claimants were asking for in the settlement mediation.

Paul Scully: The Government is pleased that a resolution has been reached between the parties to settle this long-running litigation and the steps they have taken through the mediation talks. Postmasters are the backbone of the Post Office, and their branches are vital to communities across the country. That is why Government takes Post Office Limited's (POL) relationship with its postmasters very seriously.On 11 December following mediation talks, the parties to the litigation agreed a settlement figure of £57.75m. Government was not party to the mediation discussions. The agreed settlement included all legal and other costs, The settlement was funded entirely by POL’s commercial revenues. The Government as shareholder specifically required that government funding was not used for this purpose.Given the nature and scale of the settlement payment, the Government did approve the final figure.

Post Offices: ICT

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Horizon software litigation, whether the Government has provided Post Office Ltd with funds in addition to the £57 million cost of that litigation.

Paul Scully: The Government is pleased that a resolution has been reached between the parties to settle this long-running litigation and the steps they have taken through the mediation talks. Postmasters are the backbone of the Post Office, and their branches are vital to communities across the country. That is why Government takes Post Office Limited's (POL) relationship with its postmasters very seriously. On 11 December following mediation talks, the parties to the litigation agreed a settlement figure of £57.75m. Government was not party to the mediation discussions. The agreed settlement included all legal and other costs, The settlement was funded entirely by POL’s commercial revenues. The Government as shareholder specifically required that government funding was not used for this purpose.

Retail Trade: Coronavirus

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to ensure that online retail businesses that are able to remain open during the covid-19 outbreak are implementing social distancing measures that maximise the safety of (a) their staff, (b) the families of their staff and (c) customers.

Paul Scully: Everyone must comply with the rules issued by the Government in relation to coronavirus, in order to protect both themselves and others. We have published guidance for employers and businesses to assist them in the safe operation of their business:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19. Additionally, the British Retail Consortium have published guidance for social distancing in warehouse and distribution settings:http://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/social-distancing-in-warehouse-and-distribution-settings/.

Conditions of Employment: Coronavirus

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to provide workplace protections for workers that are required by their employer to go to work during the covid-19 outbreak while living with a vulnerable person in their household.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dismissal: Coronavirus

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that companies do not dismiss workers who could be furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Paul Scully: The Government introduced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms to continue to keep people on the payroll in these extraordinary times. It is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. All employers are eligible to claim under the scheme and the Government recognises different businesses will face different impacts from coronavirus. The Department is working with business representative groups and industry contacts to encourage firms to use the Scheme, in particular to retain staff whom they would otherwise have to make redundant.

Dismissal: Coronavirus

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made assessment of the potential merits of limiting the reasons for workplace dismissal during covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: The Government believes that the existing employment rights offer sufficient protection from unfair dismissal, particularly those matters that are considered to be automatically unfair which may be more relevant during these exceptional times. There are a number of reasons why in certain situations a dismissal is likely to be automatically unfair, including reasons such as a request for flexible working; exercising the right to time off for dependants; reasons related to pregnancy and maternity; and, disability discrimination.

Business: Loans

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy that (a) businesses that have become profitable after recent restructuring should not be precluded from being granted emergency business loans on the basis of unprofitable trading figures prior to their restructuring and (b) those businesses should be assessed on their recent profitability on the same basis as start-up businesses of a similar size.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with banks operating the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme on the interest rates for those loans.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme have been allocated to businesses since that scheme was announced.

Paul Scully: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) opened for applications on 23 March. On 3 April it was significantly expanded along with changes to the scheme’s features and eligibility criteria to allow more SMEs to access the scheme. As of Tuesday 21 April, it has provided over £2.8 billion of lending to SMEs. Total lending under CBILS has doubled in the week from 14 April to 21 April, with an increase of £1.45 billion.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme applications have been (a) approved and (b) rejected to date.

Paul Scully: As of 21 April, over £2.8bn worth of loans have been issued under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to over 16,600 businesses. In order to minimise administrative burden and therefore facilitate the issuing of as many loans as possible, the British Business Bank’s system only gathers data from these lenders when loans are offered and drawn. The system does not capture information on rejected loans. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on providing transparent and regular data publication going forward.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of businesses that have (a) made applications for loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and (b) have received approval for those applications, broken down by each bank to which those businesses applied.

Paul Scully: As of 21 April, over £2.8bn worth of loans have been issued under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, to over 16,600 businesses. Lenders have received 36,000 completed applications. The information is not currently available broken down by each lender. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on providing transparent and regular data publication going forward.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme: South Yorkshire

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many businesses have had their Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme applications (a) approved and (b) rejected in the (i) Sheffield City Region and (ii) Barnsley Central constituency.

Paul Scully: As of 21 April, over £2.8 billion worth of loans have been issued under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme across the UK, to over 16,600 businesses. Lenders have received 36,000 completed applications. The British Business Bank has streamlined the system by which the biggest accredited CBILS lenders provide information to the Bank, in order to expedite the process. The Bank’s system therefore gathers data from these lenders when loans are offered and drawn. The system does not capture any information on rejected applications. At this time we cannot provide a breakdown of funding by region, as we have given lenders a temporary dispensation from uploading their data to the British Business Bank’s system in order to let them focus on issuing new loans. This is a pragmatic step that reflects the urgency of getting loans issued. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and lenders on regular and transparent data publication going forward.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Saudi Rapid Intervention Group

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Saudi Rapid Intervention Group, responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, has been active in the UK.

James Cleverly: We do not comment on intelligence matters.

Coral Princess: British Nationals Abroad

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to facilitate the safe return of UK Nationals on the Coral Princess during the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, we have worked hard to support British nationals aboard cruise ships. Over 350 British passengers and crew members aboard the Coral Princess returned to the UK on three separate charter flights - two flights on 6 April and one on the 9 April - organised by the cruise company, and British Airways. The FCO worked closely with the cruise company and partners across Whitehall, including the Department for Transport, Public Health England, the Department for Health and Social Care and Border Force to ensure British nationals were safely repatriated to the UK.Upon their return, the cruise company organised private transport for those who did not have family members to collect them, and they were also advised to self-isolate for 14 days in line with advice from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England.Of the four remaining British passengers who were not fit to travel on the repatriation flights, one has was discharged from hospital on 15 April and will shortly be repatriated to the UK. Three remain in hospital in Miami and are receiving consular support from the British Consulate General.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK passport holders stranded abroad during the covid-19 outbreak are able to access extended visas to comply with travel advice without incurring additional charges.

Nigel Adams: We are advising British Nationals stranded abroad, to contact the relevant authority in the country they are located with regards to their visa. In a number of countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, we have provided British National travellers with expiring visas, letters and information notes from the Consulate to support their visa extension requests.We are also lobbying countries to ensure that individuals who are unable to leave the country because of COVID-19 related travel restrictions, will not be regarded as over-stayers; will not suffer any immigration detriment in the future; and will not be pursued during the crisis.

Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to facilitate consultation with civil society as part of its Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence, security and international development.

James Cleverly: The Integrated Review has been paused given the pressing need to focus on COVID-19. We will return to the Integrated Review when appropriate to do so, ensuring that we engage with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what (a) financial and (b) medical support his Department plans to provide to vulnerable UK nationals stranded abroad as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

James Cleverly: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides information and advice for those requiring financial assistance abroad, including as a last resort a repatriation loan: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-assistance-abroad/financial-assistance-abroad.We urge British people who require medical assistance while abroad to check the specific travel advice page.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support UK nationals that are stranded abroad as a result of the covid-19 outbreak that cannot afford (a) medication and (b) other essential items.

James Cleverly: Our posts are providing British nationals who are unable to get home with consular support when requested. We can help them maintain contact with family members; help them understand the local situation, and advise how to secure medication in the country in question, or signpost them appropriately. All our individual country travel advice pages include advice on how to access local medical care and prescriptions. In many countries, it is possible to make an appointment with a local doctor to arrange an alternative prescription. We recognise that local measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 are presenting challenges for some people and are working with authorities in each country to resolve these. In addition, The Association of British Insurers has announced that UK-Based insurers will look to extend travel insurance policies for 60 days to ensure British travellers stranded abroad will be covered for any emergency medical treatment they might need. In countries with which we have reciprocal agreements, British travellers will be able to benefit from those. The specifics of these arrangements vary from country to country but broadly cover emergency medical treatment for UK resident British nationals.

Calais: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions officials in his Department have had with their French counterparts on homeless refugees and migrants at the UK-French border in Calais; and what steps he is taking to help ensure that those people have access to (i) accommodation, (ii) food, (iii) water and sanitation facilities and (iv) medical attention during the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton: We are in regular contact with French authorities on our joint response to COVID 19, which includes discussions to prevent the spread of the virus amongst the migrant population in the Calais region. We are continuing to monitor developments in the Calais region and the actions taken by French authorities in response to this pandemic, which include working with individuals to relocate them to accommodation centres in order to receive the necessary support, and providing appropriate medical care to migrants with COVID-19, including hospitalisation where necessary.

Afghanistan: Sikhs

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the recent attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, what assessment his Department has made of the level of threat to Sikh communities in Afghanistan.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Afghan counterpart on the recent attacks on the Sikh community in that country.

Nigel Adams: We strongly condemn the attack on a Sikh Gurdwara in Kabul on 25 March. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South Asia with responsibility for human rights and Her Majesty's Ambassador to Kabul have both condemned the attack. The UK continues to urge the Government of Afghanistan to ensure the rights of all ethnic and religious groups are protected, in line with the Afghan constitution.At the Universal Periodic Review of Afghanistan at the UN Human Rights Council in 2019, the UK recommended that the Afghan Government establish an independent mechanism to strengthen security protection for all religious and ethnic minorities.We will continue to engage with organisations and individuals which represent the Afghan Sikh and Hindu community, in Afghanistan and the UK. This helps us to maintain a full understanding of the challenges faced by their communities.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is providing to UK nationals stranded abroad and running low on medication due to the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

James Cleverly: All our individual country travel advice pages include advice on how to access local medical care and prescriptions. In many countries, it is possible to make an appointment with a local doctor to arrange an alternative prescription. We recognise that local measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 are presenting challenges for some people and are working with authorities in each country to resolve these. British nationals should call the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate before they run out of medication if they have not been able to replace it using our published advice.

Occupied Territories: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the potential effect of (a) the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, (b) the occupation of the West Bank, (c) the capacity of healthcare systems, (d) the availability of medical supplies, (e) access to water and sanitation facilities and (f) people’s ability to self-isolate on the response to the covid-19 outbreak in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

James Cleverly: We are deeply concerned about the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza. The British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities respectively. Both report good cooperation between the two entities in response to COVID-19. UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government are working together to ensure that essential medical supplies and staff are able to access Gaza.

West Bank: Coronavirus

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Israeli counterparts on the decision to close the first-aid centre in Ibziq.

James Cleverly: We raised our concerns about the demolition of the health centre in Ibziq at the UN Security Council remote meeting on the Middle East on 23 April. In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice is harmful to the peace process. We are particularly concerned that demolitions are continuing at this time.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the status is of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action following the decision by the E3 to trigger the Dispute Resolution Mechanism on 14 January 2020; and if he will make a statement.

James Cleverly: The UK remains committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), as the best means of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. We have worked hard with our partners to preserve the deal and believe that it remains in our national security interests. We, along with France and Germany, have met our obligations under the deal, including by lifting sanctions on Iran, and have gone beyond our JCPoA commitments by establishing INSTEX to help support legitimate trade. Iran's reductions in nuclear compliance, as confirmed by successive International Atomic Engergy Angency reports, have raised serious proliferation concerns, leaving the E3 with no choice but to trigger the JCPoA Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) on 14 January 2020, formally referring Iran to the Joint Commission. We are clear that we want to use the DRM to resolve these concerns, and bring Iran back into compliance with the JCPoA. The UK continues to work closely with all JCPoA parties, including Iran, to find a diplomatic way forward.

Gaza: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has with his Israeli counterpart on the outbreak of covid-19 outbreak in Gaza; and whether he has made representations to that counterpart on importing medical support to the Palestinian territories.

James Cleverly: I discussed our concerns about the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in Gaza with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 31 March. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem are also in regular contact with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities respectively. Both report good cooperation between the two entities in response to COVID-19. UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government are working together to ensure that essential medical supplies and staff are able to access Gaza.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Claire Hanna: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has plans to provide financial support to UK citizens that have been required to pay higher airline fees to return to the UK from overseas as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Adams: For those British Nationals that cannot afford the cost of a flight to return, and have no other funding options, they may be eligible for financial support through an emergency loan from public funds.More details can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-assistance-abroad/financial-assistance-abroad#if-you-need-financial-help-abroad

Palestinians: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the ability of the Palestinian Authority to respond to the covid-19 pandemic.

James Cleverly: We are deeply concerned about the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and especially in Gaza. However, both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities report good cooperation in response to COVID-19. UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government are working together to ensure that essential medical supplies and staff are able to access Gaza. The UK's $1 million funding contribution will enable the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing capacity.

Iran: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the foreign sanctions on Iran on that country's ability to respond to covid-19.

James Cleverly: We are working with the international community to ensure that Iran receives the humanitarian support it needs: the E3 (the UK, France and Germany) have provided a EUR 5 million package of financial and material assistance to Iran via the World Health Organisation and UN bodies to help with the response.

India: Coronavirus

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK nationals registered an interest with his Department by 9 April 2020 to return to the UK due to the covid-19 outbreak from the Indian states of (a) Gujarat, (b) Punjab, and (c) Maharashtra; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Adams: By 9 April, over 21,000 people had registered their interest in travelling to the UK on HMG Charter flights.

Bangladesh and Pakistan: Coronavirus

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK nationals registered an interest with his Department by 9 April 2020 to return to the UK due to the covid-19 outbreak from (a) Pakistan and (b) Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Adams: As of 9 April, 10,522 British travellers in Pakistan and 4,072 British travellers in Bangladesh registered interest to return to the UK.

Pakistan: Human Rights

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Pakistani counterpart on the abuse of human rights of (a) Christian, (b) Sikh, (c) Parsi, (d) Hindu, (e) Buddhist, (f) Jain and (g) other minority communities in Pakistan.

Nigel Adams: We engage at a senior level with the Pakistani Government on the mistreatment of minority religious and ethnic groups. The Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of minority religious communities with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister in February. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the fundamental rights of all its citizens, as laid down in the constitution of Pakistan and in accordance with international standards. It is vital that Pakistan guarantees the rights of all its citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity or belief.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many payments the Government has made under the emergency repatriation loans scheme since that scheme was established.

Nigel Adams: British nationals and UK residents who are overseas and wish to return to the UK, but cannot afford travel costs and have no other options for getting funds to return home, may apply for an emergency loan from the government as a last resort. Only basic costs can be included in a loan, usually the cheapest one-way ticket to the UK. The FCO usually issues around 250 emergency repatriation loans per year. As of 22 April we estimate that over 750 loans have been issued this year. Some loans are still being processed. Since 7 April 2020, the FCO has been working with Corporate Travel Management (CTM), which is authorised to administer such loans on behalf of the FCO, to extend the FCO's capacity to consider loan requests from British nationals.The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home.

Tripoli: Hospitals

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received of continued shelling of the Al-Khadra Hospital in Tripoli by forces allied to Khalifa Haftar.

James Cleverly: The UK is deeply concerned at reports that shells fired by forces opposed to the Government of National Accord landed on Al-Khadra hospital on 7 April. Intentional shelling of a hospital would constitute a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law. We continue to urge all parties, including General Haftar, to de-escalate, commit to a ceasefire and return to UN-led political talks. Libya remains vulnerable to a significant coronavirus outbreak. Fighting must stop to allow Libyan health authorities and aid agencies to respond to the pandemic.

Tripoli: Water

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government has taken with international allies to tackle the blocking of water supplies to Tripoli by forces allied to Khalifa Haftar.

James Cleverly: We are deeply concerned that civilians continue to suffer inexcusably from the conflict in Libya. Cutting off water supplies in Tripoli as coronavirus hits will seriously endanger civilian lives. We have raised this issue with the Government of National Accord, and remain active in wider efforts to end the current fighting. Ministers maintain regular contact with regional and European partners on Libya, and continue to call on all parties, including General Haftar, to de-escalate, support a ceasefire and a return to UN-led political talks.

Malta: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Maltese counterpart on the quarantining of migrants following the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: The High Commission in Malta continually monitors the conditions of migrants in Malta and speaks regularly with the Maltese authorities as they deal with the COVID-19 public health emergency. The UK is working closely with our international partners, including Malta, to support an effective and co-ordinated global health response to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Hungary: Coronavirus

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's position is on the emergency powers granted to the Prime Minister of Hungary during the covid-19 pandemic; and what representations he has made to his Hungarian counterpart on that matter.

Wendy Morton: We are committed to working with our international partners, including Hungary, to overcome the global health and economic challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and to set the stage for a strong recovery of sustainable economic growth and prosperity. We remain in close contact with the Hungarian authorities as we coordinate our response.The UK places great importance on, and has a proud history of respecting, the rule of law and democratic values. We are clear that measures to address the coronavirus pandemic should be targeted, time-limited and subject to regular review. We are closely monitoring the Hungarian government's use of the emergency legislation.

Hong Kong: Politics and Government

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong on the potential use of national security legislation to suspend the Hong Kong Legislative Council; and what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the use of that legislation with the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Nigel Adams: Under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR Government has an obligation to enact national security legislation, however, the Basic Law does not provide a deadline for such legislation to be enacted. While it is a matter for the Hong Kong authorities to decide when and how to bring forward the legislation, we note the risk that any attempt to introduce it before wider concerns about rights and freedoms in Hong Kong have been addressed could further unsettle the situation in Hong Kong. Any legislation introduced in Hong Kong should be consistent with both the letter and the spirit of the Joint Declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law. The UK Consul General in Hong Kong meets the Chief Executive and her team on a regular basis, and frequently raises the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Joint Declaration.

Greece: Refugees

Alyn Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assistance the Government is providing to the Greek Government to ensure the safety of refugees in Greece.

Wendy Morton: The British Government remains committed to supporting the Greek Government's efforts to manage migration effectively. Current UK support includes the provision of search and rescue operations in the Aegean, as well as over £500,000 of humanitarian supplies.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many flights the Government has sponsored in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Adams: The British Government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to help bring back British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights to priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. Through the work that our teams have done with airlines or foreign governments to keep vital routes open we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned to the UK via commercial routes since the outbreak began.As of 0800 on 27 April, more than 18,630 people on 90 flights organised by the British Government have been brought back from 20 different countries and territories. The Government has also assisted more than 19,000 passengers on board cruise ships to return home, either by providing consular assistance, or by working with local authorities and cruise operators to allow ships to dock.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK nationals are awaiting repatriation as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Adams: The British Government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to help bring back British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights to priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. As of 0800 on 27 April, we estimate around 57,500 British Nationals (BN) are still wanting to return to the UK, with 1 British national passenger still to return from cruise ships.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK nationals have been repatriated since the travel restrictions were introduced in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Adams: The British Government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to help bring back British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights to priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. Through the work that our teams have done with airlines or foreign governments to keep vital routes open we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned to the UK via commercial routes since the outbreak began.As of 0800 on 27 April, more than 18,630 people on 90 flights organised by the British Government have been brought back from 20 different countries and territories. The Government has also assisted more than 19,000 passengers on board cruise ships to return home, either by providing consular assistance, or by working with local authorities and cruise operators to allow ships to dock.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the covid-13 outbreak, how many EU Civil Protection Mechanism flights the UK has participated in to date.

Nigel Adams: The UK has activated the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism (CPM) on several occasions, as part of our international response to coronavirus, which has helped repatriate British Nationals and EU citizens. As of 16 April, the UK has activated 6 flights.Stranded British travellers and their families are our priority. One of the conditions of activating the CPM is to allow EU nationals on board as well. In regions where there have been a large number of British people who wish to return to the UK that has not always been possible. The CPM would, therefore, not be relevant as we haven't been able to offer seats to EU nationals.

British Overseas Territories: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how his Department is supporting British Overseas Territories to deal with the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on their (a) economies and (b) healthcare systems.

Wendy Morton: The UK Government is firmly committed to supporting the Overseas Territories in dealing with Covid-19. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development are leading a cross Whitehall effort, working closely with the Overseas Territories governments, and taking a needs-based approach to providing support. The Minister for the Overseas Territories and Sustainable Development is in regular contact with the political leaders and Governors of the Territories. The impact of the pandemic on the Territories' economies and healthcare systems varies, and our support is being calibrated accordingly.Just as the UK is doing, we are looking to Overseas Territories to make full use of their financial resources in order to address the needs of their people. Requests for further support to complement comprehensive economic local response plans are being considered on a needs basis. In the Territories which are in receipt of financial assistance from DFID, the UK Government will continue to provide the support needed to ensure delivery of essential services and to protect their economies.In the areas where it's needed, the UK Government is providing support to strengthen the ability of the public health systems of the Territories to deal with the significant challenges from Covid-19, through provision of essential medical supplies, equipment and personnel.

USA: Coronavirus

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reciprocal arrangements the Government has made with the US Administration to extend the length of visas for UK and US citizens currently in either country whose visas are due to expire and who are unable to return home because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton: The UK is in regular contact at the highest levels with our US partners on our joint response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, including discussions on how to enable travelling nationals to return home where necessary. It is up to individual countries how they manage their response to the virus, including immigration policy.British travellers currently in the USA will be allowed to leave to return home. British travellers who entered the USA on an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa and are concerned that their period of admission is about to expire are able to apply for Satisfactory Departure from the US Customs and Border Protection. This discretionary authority permits US Citizenship and Immigration Services and US Customs and Border Protection to extend an ESTA admission for a period not to exceed 30 days.Most US citizens in the UK can stay for up to 6 months without a visa. If US citizen's visa is expiring and they cannot leave the UK at present because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to COVID-19, they are able to request an extension from the Home Office's Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) and their visa will be extended to 31 May 2020.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to assist the repatriation of British merchant seafarers stranded overseas as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Nigel Adams: The British Government's position on welfare was reiterated to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the start of this crisis, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards for our seafarers. Where vessel operators request assistance to repatriate their employees, the British Government stands ready to work as quickly as possible to help those who may need rapid consular assistance.FCO and DFT continue to work closely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of BN crew members. Operators are repatriating non-essential Crew and we have recently supported in country to ensure crew are able to disembark in Europe and the US.

Law of the Sea

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take steps to support the establishment of a new UN Law of the Sea.

James Duddridge: The FCO alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have been closely involved in the negotiation of a new Implementing Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction - the BBNJ Agreement - as an important step forward in addressing the challenges that the ocean faces. The UK is pressing for an ambitious Agreement. It will be a key mechanism in enabling the designation of at least 30 per cent of the global ocean as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.Unfortunately, due to the impacts of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the fourth session of the Inter-Governmental Conference, scheduled for 23 March to 3 April in New York, was postponed. The UK is supportive of re-scheduling the fourth session for the earliest possible opportunity that will enable all delegations to be present for the negotiations in New York. The UK also strongly supports intersessional work, which is vital to ensure that we maintain momentum towards the successful conclusion of these important negotiations.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the joint statement on the fifth anniversary of the conflict in Yemen, published on 26 March 2020, what representations officials in his Department have made to their Saudi Arabian counterparts on a permanent ceasefire in Yemen; and whether arms and military equipment is being (a) sold and (b) transferred to that country through existing (i) open and (ii) single export licences.

James Cleverly: The UK welcomes the unilateral ceasefire announced by Saudi Arabia, which follows the call on 25 March by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a cease to hostilities in Yemen. We fully support the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths's call for all parties to engage in urgent political talks to convert this into a durable ceasefire. We have also secured a UN Security Council statement which urges the Houthis to engage constructively with his efforts: https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14159.doc.htm. A ceasefire will only have an effect on the ground if it is underpinned by a political deal. It is important that both the Houthis and the Government of Yemen seize this opportunity for progress. A permanent ceasefire and co-operation with the UN-led political process is the best defence we have against a potentially devastating outbreak of Covid-19 in Yemen.Until the Secretary of State for International Trade re-takes the licensing decisions remitted to her by the Court of Appeal, or concludes a successful appeal, the Government will not issue new licences for exports to Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners for possible use in the conflict in Yemen. The Government publishes official statistics (on a quarterly and annual basis) about export licences on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data. These reports contain detailed information on the type of export licences issued, refused or revoked, by destination type (e.g. Military, Other) and a summary of the items covered by these licences.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many British nationals stranded abroad as a result of the covid-19 outbreak have registered with his Department for flights to return to the UK.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of British nationals stranded abroad as a result of the covid-19 outbreak who (a) are over the age of 70 and (b) have a serious medical condition who have registered with his Department for flights to return to the UK from abroad.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of British nationals stranded abroad as a result of the covid-19 outbreak who have registered with his Department for flights to return to the UK who have not yet returned to the UK.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

India: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many British nationals stranded abroad in India as a result of the covid-19 outbreak who registered with his Department for flights to return to the UK were staying in the regions of (a) Punjab and (b) Gujarat.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Foreign Nationals: Repatriation

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to assist the repatriation of non-UK nationals resident in the UK.

Nigel Adams: The UK is working together with other governments, international organisations and commercial carriers to enable the return of vulnerable or stranded travellers. Stranded British travellers and their families are our priority but where seats have been available, we have been able to help other nationals resident in the UK to return to their homes. We have also helped EU and Commonwealth nationals get back to their home countries on our flights from China, Peru, the US, Japan, Ghana, Tunisia and Algeria, just as other countries have helped British nationals get back to the UK from countries including China, Mali, New Zealand and Bolivia. The success of all countries' operations will depend on close international cooperation.

Foreign Nationals: Coronavirus

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the Government will allow non-British nationals on repatriation flights to allow for key workers with visas to return to the UK.

Nigel Adams: Repatriation flights are for UK travellers who normally reside in the UK and their direct dependants. Stranded British travellers and their families are our priority but where seats have been available, we have been able to help other nationals resident in the UK to return to their homes, including key workers.

Kashmir: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the number of deaths in Kashmir as a result of covid-19; and whether he has made an assessment of the accuracy of the estimated deaths published by the Indian Government.

Nigel Adams: According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, as of 23rd April, there have been 681 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in India, with open source data reporting five deaths in India-administered Kashmir. According to official Government of Pakistan data there have been 51 confirmed cases in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with no deaths.India, like the rest of the world, faces challenges compiling accurate data on Covid-19. Key issues include limited testing and reporting on asymptomatic cases; the imposition of a strict lockdown preventing access to health services in some cases, and existing difficulties in routine death reporting.

Kashmir: Communication

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, during the covid-19 outbreak, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on communications in Kashmir.

Nigel Adams: We are in regular contact with the Indian Government regarding the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary most recently spoke about Kashmir with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on 20 April. We welcome reports that some restrictions on communications have now been relaxed, but remain concerned that other restrictions remain in place. We call for these to be lifted as soon as possible.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 April 2020 to Question 35014 on Coronavirus: Disease Control, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the need for (a) the UK and (b) other countries to follow the World Health Organisation guidelines on covid-19.

Wendy Morton: The Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with a range of Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on a wide range of issues relating to the COVID-19 crisis. The UK is playing a leading role to ensure a strong and coordinated international response to the crisis: to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable countries, to find a vaccine, and to mitigate unprecedented disruption to the global economy and trade. We are working closely with partners bilaterally and through multilateral organisations such as the G7, G20, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the international financial institutions. As part of this, we are galvanising support for a science-based response, led by the WHO. We are a key donor to the WHO and have already contributed £75 million to help the organisation lead international efforts to stop the spread of the virus and end the pandemic.

Africa: Coronavirus

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the level of risk of militants linked to (a) Al-Shabaab, (b) Al-Qaeda and (c) Boko Haram taking advantage of the disruption caused by the covid-19 pandemic to commit terrorist actions targeting civilian or military personnel across Africa.

James Duddridge: We are deeply concerned by the recent reported attacks on civilian and military personnel across Africa by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. It continues to be our assessment that these groups represent a serious threat to security and stability in Africa, including in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are monitoring closely the risk that militants could seek to take advantage of this unprecedented global health challenge to carry out terrorist attacks. We continue to keep our Travel Advice under close review, to ensure that we are giving British Nationals still in Africa the best possible advice about the threat.

Africa: Coronavirus

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many charter flights the Government has commissioned to repatriate UK citizens stranded in African countries since the start of the covid-19 pandemic, by location.

James Duddridge: The British Government is working with the airline industry and host governments across the world to help bring back British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights to priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. We have run 21 charter flights from Africa from seven different countries which include Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Gambia.The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home.

Department of Health and Social Care

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will be taking to reduce alcohol related (a) cancer diagnoses and (b) deaths.

Jo Churchill: The Government is committed to tackling health harms from alcohol and supporting the most vulnerable at risk from alcohol misuse. We are introducing measures including the NHS Long Term Plan to reduce hospital admissions, along with ambitions and commitments to improve cancer outcomes and services in England. We will encourage people to moderate their drinking as outlined in the Prevention Green Paper through low and no alcohol products. The UK CMOs’ Low Risk Drinking guidelines highlight that the risk of developing a range of health problems, including cancer, increases the more you drink on a regular basis. The new drinking guidelines are included in a range of public health messaging-the ‘One You’ service on www.nhs.uk.

Infant Foods: Coronavirus

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the retail cost of (a) baby food, (b) infant formula and (c) infant medication does not rise disproportionately as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department does not set the retail prices for baby food and infant formula.The costs of branded medicines are controlled by the statutory and voluntary schemes for branded medicines. Under those schemes, any price increase needs to be agreed by the Department.

Cancer: Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what Cancer Drugs Fund expenditure cap is for (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21.

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the reasons why the Cancer Drugs Fund has been underspent; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Government established the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) to ensure access for National Health Service patients in England to effective cancer drugs that would not otherwise have been available to them. New arrangements for the assessment and adoption of new cancer drugs were introduced in 2016 to help improve patient access to new cancer drugs and the CDF is now linked to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal programme.Under the new arrangements, NICE now appraises all new cancer drugs, and NICE is able to recommend a drug for use through the CDF where there is too much uncertainty to be able to recommend routine use. All cancer drugs recommended by NICE are eligible for funding through the CDF from the point of NICE’s draft guidance.Since it was reformed in July 2016, the CDF has had a fixed budget of £340 million. This will remain the same for 2020-21.

NHS: Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which medicinal products were made available on the NHS with a managed access agreement in (a) 2018-19 and (b) 2019 to date.

Jo Churchill: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended 11 topics for access via a Managed Access Agreement (MAA) in 2019/20 to date. In 2018/19, 12 topics were recommended via an MAA. These topics are listed in the following table. NICE refDrugIndicationManaged access start date 2018/19 TA522Pembrolizumablocally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer where cisplatin is unsuitable27 April 2018 TA529CrizotinibROS1-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer31 May 2018 TA528Niraparibplatinum-sensitive ovarian cancer after second response to chemotherapy1 June 2018 TA540PembrolizumabRelapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma25 July 2018 TA554Tisagenlecleucelrelapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia16 November 2018 TA553Pembrolizumabadjuvant treatment of resected melanoma with high risk of recurrence19 November 2018 TA557Pembrolizumab (with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy)untreated metastatic non-squamous NSCLC21 November 2018 TA558Nivolumabadjuvant treatment of resected stage III and IV melanoma30 November 2018 TA559Axicabtagene ciloleuceldiffuse large B-cell lymphoma and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma after 2 or more systemic therapies7 December 2018 TA567Tisagenlecleucelrelapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after 2 or more systemic therapies1 February 2019 TA573Daratumumab with bortezomibMultiple myeloma12 March 2019 TA578DurvalumabNSCLC28 March 2019 2019/2020 TA579Abemaciclib with fulvestrantHER2-negative breast cancer after endocrine therapy2 April 2019TA581Nivolumab with ipilimumabuntreated advanced renal cell carcinoma5 April 2019TA592Cemiplimabcutaneous squamous cell carcinoma2 July 2019TA588NusinersenSpinal Muscular Atrophy3 July 2019TA593Ribociclibin combination with fulvestrant for treating advanced hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer17 July 2019TA598Olaparibmaintenance treatment of newly diagnosed BRCA-mutated advanced ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, after response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy26 July 2019TA600Pembrolizumab with carboplatin and paclitaxelMetastatic squamous NSCLC8 August 2019TA611Rucaparibmaintenance treatment of relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer11 October 2019TA619Palbociclib in combination with fulvestrantadvanced, HR+ HER2- breast cancer after endocrine therapy28 November 2019TA620Olaparibmaintenance treatment of BRCA-mutated platinum sensitive relapsed ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer, after response to platinum-based chemotherapy29 November 2019HST12Cerliponase alfaneuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 25 November 2019

NHS: Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the NHS Commercial Framework on access to medicines through managed access agreements.

Jo Churchill: NHS England and NHS Improvement has advised that the Commercial Framework for new medicines remains in draft at this time with publication expected in spring 2020. The Commercial Framework is designed to complement the processes and methods of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s technology appraisal programme which provides direction on when managed access agreements may be appropriate. The framework will promote the opportunities that currently exist and clarify NHS England and NHS Improvement’s involvement within the existing arrangements rather than advising on new opportunities for managed access agreements.

Medical Treatments: Innovation

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2020 to Question 18744 on Medical Treatments: Innovation,whether he plans to hold a public consultation on his proposals for an innovative medicines fund.

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2020 to Question 18743 on Medical Treatments: Innovation, if he will include provisions on improving access to medicine for rare diseases as part of the innovative medicines fund.

Jo Churchill: Detailed proposals for the new Innovative Medicines Fund are in development and will be consulted on in due course. The Fund will build on the success of the reformed Cancer Drugs Fund so that doctors can use the most advanced, life-saving treatments for conditions such as autoimmune disease or cancer, or for children with other rare diseases.

NHS: Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to paragraph 3.21 of the 2019 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access, when NICE will review the process and methods for the highly specialised technology evaluation programme; and what methodology will be used in that review.

Jo Churchill: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now initiated the review of its technology appraisal and highly specialised technologies methods in line with the commitment made in the 2019 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access. Further information about the process and timescale for the review is available on the NICE website at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/our-programmes/nice-guidance/nice-technology-appraisal-guidance/changes-to-health-technology-evaluation

Orphan Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of establishing a new orphan medicines pathway at NICE to enable orphan medicines which do not qualify for the highly specialised technology evaluation programme to be appraised.

Jo Churchill: There are no current plans to establish a further National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assessment programme for orphan medicines. Where companies are willing to price their drugs fairly in a way that reflects the benefits they bring to patients, NICE has been able to recommend a number of orphan medicines for routine NHS funding through its technology appraisal programme. NICE is reviewing its methods for the development of technology appraisal and highly specialised technology recommendations, including the methods for the assessment of medicines licensed for rare diseases. The creation of an Innovative Medicines Fund will also build on the success of the Cancer Drugs Fund and support access to the most advanced medicines for patients with rare diseases.

Orphan Drugs

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the effect of the (a) introduction of the ultra-orphan pathway by the Scottish Medicines Consortium and (b) additional factors and modifiers for orphan medicines and medicines that have evidence of achieving a substantial improvement in life expectancy and/or quality of life considered by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in relation to informing methods and processes at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Jo Churchill: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is responsible for the review of the methods it uses in the development of its technology appraisal and highly specialised technology recommendations in England. NICE has advised that additional factors and modifiers that may affect NICE’s decisions, including factors relevant to orphan medicines and medicines that substantially improve health and/or life expectancy, are being considered within its methods review. This review will give consideration to approaches in other health technology assessment bodies, including the devolved administrations.

Health Services: Technology

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence plans to publish the full outputs of the task and finish groups engaged in the development of its health technology evaluation review.

Jo Churchill: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has advised that it is considering the most appropriate way to publish the relevant information supporting the methods review work. Details will be released in due course.

Infant Foods: Sales

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to ensure that supplies of baby formula are not rapidly depleted by panic buying as a result of covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The Department is aware of infant formula supply issues related to stockpiling. The Department is in contact with the formula industry in order to guarantee a continuous supply of infant formula. The British Specialist Nutrition Association Ltd, who represent manufacturers of formula, have reassured parents via their website and social media. They have asked the public to be mindful of others when they shop so that formula remains available for all. These discussions with industry are regular and we will continue to reassess the situation.

Coronavirus: Drugs

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure the continued supply of medicines during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to safeguard the medicines supply chain during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The country is well prepared to deal with any impacts of COVID-19 and we have stockpiles of generic drugs, in the event of any supply issues.The Department is working closely with industry, the National Health Service and others in the supply chain to help ensure patients can access the medicines they need, and precautions are in place to reduce the likelihood of future shortages.

NHS: Coronavirus

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the merits of introducing mandatory testing for covid-19 for all (a) NHS and (b) care staff.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government must prioritise and understand that National Health Service staff want to get tested so they can return to the frontline as fast as possible. Early on the decision was taken that seriously ill patients had to come first. For them, a test can mean the difference between life and death.On 4 April, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care advised that ‘our ultimate goal is that anyone who needs a test should have one. We will get there through a phased approach, starting with patients who need the test, expanding to NHS workers and their families as we are now doing, then other critical key workers as we ramp up further, and then expanding to the wider community over time. Our testing strategy has five pillars, which this document sets out in full’.The full document, published on 4 April 2020, can be found at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878121/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-strategy.pdf

Coeliac Disease: Prescriptions

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect on patient care of the variation in prescribing policies for coeliac disease across clinical commissioning groups.

Jo Churchill: The Department has made no such assessment.A wide range of gluten-free (GF) products are available in most supermarkets and online.Following consultation with major stakeholders such as Coeliac UK, changes were made to legislation in 2018. As a result, gluten free bread and mixes can be prescribed on the NHS to support people with established coeliac disease. This ensures the best use of NHS resources while maintaining availability of staple GF foods for patients on prescription.

Coeliac Disease: Prescriptions

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which clinical commissioning groups provide funding for prescriptions for the purchase of food for patients diagnosed with coeliac disease; and what proportion of clinical commissioning groups that equates to.

Jo Churchill: This information is not held centrally.

Antibiotics: Drug Resistance

Kevin Hollinrake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the rise of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in secondary care.

Jo Churchill: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are carbapenem-resistant infections with the ability to transfer resistance to different bacterial species. Public Health England conducts monitoring and surveillance of these infections and publishes toolkits to support acute and non-acute organisations to prevent and control the spread of CPE.The Government recognises that identifying where carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative infections occur, and acting to prevent them, is essential to maintain the effectiveness of our most important antibiotics. Work is underway to add these infections to the list of notifiable diseases as part of our national action plan for antimicrobial resistance.NHS England and NHS Improvement continues to work to reduce the burden of all healthcare-associated infections and is tasked with delivering the Government’s ambition to halve all healthcare associated Gram-negative blood stream infections by 2023-24.

Prescriptions: Delivery Services

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with representatives of high street pharmacies on suspending prescription delivery charges for people who in self-isolation due to covid-19.

Jo Churchill: Patients who are required to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a medical condition as identified by NHS England and NHS Improvement will have any medication that they require delivered to their homes free of charge. These patients will receive a letter to notify them of this provision and how they can access it. If patients do not currently have their prescriptions delivered, they can arrange this by:- Asking someone who can pick up their prescription from their local pharmacy; and- Contacting their pharmacy to ask them to arrange for their prescription to be delivered to their home. This may be by a volunteer who we have vouched for.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of Care of 17 March 2020, Official Report column 274-275WH, when the roundtable on low and no alcohol products will meet; and how many public health experts will be invited to take part; and which other organisations (a) have been and (b) will be invited.

Jo Churchill: Plans to hold a roundtable meeting on low and no alcohol products have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic taking Government priority. The Department, Public Health England and representatives from the alcohol industry will meet at a later date to discuss proposals outlined in the prevention Green Paper on how industry can deliver a significant increase in the availability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol products by 2025.

Insulin: Coronavirus

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that insulin is delivered to diabetic patients that are self-isolating during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: Patients who are required to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a medical condition as identified by NHS England and NHS Improvement will have any medication that they require delivered to their homes. These patients will receive a letter to notify them of this provision and how they can access it. If patients do not currently have their prescriptions delivered, they can arrange this by:- Asking someone who can pick up their prescription from the local pharmacy; and- Contacting their pharmacy to ask them to arrange for their prescription to be delivered to their home. This may be by a volunteer who we have vouched for.Diabetes is not currently included within the list of conditions which requires a patient to self-isolate. Diabetic patients can ask somebody to pick up their prescription for them, order from an online pharmacy that delivers, or use their local community pharmacy’s usual delivery service where available.

Coronavirus: Public Health

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has plans to launch a public health campaign to raise public awareness of the risk of transmission of covid-19 via (a) ATMs, (b) petrol pumps and (c) other frequently touched objects in public places.

Jo Churchill: Public Health England (PHE) has published guidance on Covid-19 decontamination in non-healthcare settings. The guidance describes best practice in cleaning, ​the appropriate disposal of materials, the disinfection of equipment and the personal protective equipment that should be worn.PHE has also produced a ‘cleaning and disinfection’ poster, to accompany its specific guidance covering the cleaning of environments in the community. Both can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

NHS: Contracts

Chris Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to help ensure that dispensing appliance contractors can deliver essential medical supplies on the same terms as pharmacists during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: Dispensing Appliance Contractors as part of their essential services have always been required to deliver certain appliances to patients’ homes and are reimbursed for doing so.

Coronavirus: Screening

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which (a) public bodies and (b) companies are carrying out covid-19 testing; and what is the (i) sensitivity, (ii) specificity and (iii) cost of each those tests.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 21 April 2020



Testing is a crucial part of the United Kingdom’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government is working with a number of major suppliers to put in place additional testing capacity for the UK. This builds upon existing services offered through the National Health Service and Public Health England. The suppliers and number of tests is subject to confidential commercial agreements and the Government is unable to confirm at present.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to introduce antibody testing for covid-19 for NHS staff.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government is scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for COVID-19 including increasing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of essential workers to see if they have the virus and introducing antibody testing to see if people have had the virus and are now immune. We are working towards 100,000 tests a day using spare capacity to test critical key workers and completing the pilot of our new commercial swab testing programme. We will complete our evaluation of the antibody test kits and continue our programme to survey the population to learn more about this virus. Finally, we are building a British diagnostics industry. The Government is currently engaged with several companies and are urgently testing the quality, accuracy and effectiveness of potential antibody tests with scientific experts and regulators. These tests are still being developed and none yet has been proven to work as we would require. No Government in the world has yet rolled out a full COVID-19 antibody testing programme. Should our clinical testing prove successful, we hope to deploy antibody testing kits in their millions.

NHS: Recruitment

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to fast-track the registration of healthcare professionals trained overseas to enable them to assist the NHS during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: The Government recognises the valuable contribution that healthcare workers who have trained outside of the United Kingdom are making to assist the National Health Service during the COVID-19 outbreak. Collective work is being undertaken by the Department, NHS England and the healthcare regulatory bodies to plan for additional NHS workforce capacity as part of the COVID-19 response. This includes the possible increased use of healthcare professionals trained overseas.The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is exploring extending its emergency temporary register to nurses and midwives from overseas given the expected escalation in coronavirus cases in the UK. This may mean that candidates are already in the UK who have successfully completed part of their NMC registration process would be granted temporary registration.

Coronavirus: Cancer

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people living with cancer during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: Essential and urgent cancer treatment and care will continue during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.People with certain cancers and those who have received or are receiving certain treatments are at higher risk if they catch COVID-19. The Government has advised around 200,000 cancer patients who are particularly vulnerable to stay at home for 12 weeks to minimise their risk of infection, by following Public Health England guidance which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19People with cancer who are not at highest risk should still take precautions to reduce their risk of infection by staying at home, avoiding people who are unwell, washing their hands regularly and carefully following the social distancing measures in place.People can still attend hospital for essential appointments, and cancer teams are finding ways to reduce the need for them to leave their homes wherever possible, for example offering telephone or video consultations.

Coronavirus: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make regular mandatory testing for covid-19 available for NHS and social care workers in Cumbria.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government is working rapidly to increase the number of tests that can be conducted by Public Health England and the National Health Service in laboratories. Key worker tests are starting, with hundreds of staff to be tested. This test, for NHS frontline workers, which will confirm whether or not an individual has COVID-19, will make a huge difference to the ability of frontline staff to do their job and to overall capacity.

Coronavirus: Older People

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) NHS and (b) social care workers aged 70 and over should be self-isolating.

Jo Churchill: Preserving the health, safety and wellbeing of staff is critical as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. National Health Service and social care workers over 70 should only be self-isolating if they have symptoms or are in the extremely vulnerable category.However, people over the age of 70 are advised to minimise social contact where possible.For staff members in this category, the NHS will support staff to stay well and at work. NHS and social care organisations should make adjustments to enable this wherever possible. Adjustments may include working remotely or moving to a lower risk area.

Coronavirus: Mastocytosis

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will include agressive systemic mastocytosis within the list of conditions which identify people as extremely vulnerable to covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The guidance on what is meant by extremely vulnerable has been published and is available to view at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19The list is strongly indicative but not exclusive. It is up to attending clinicians to judge whether the severity of similar conditions meets the specified extremely vulnerable criteria.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance he has received on the risks posed by covid-19 to people aged 65 to 70; and for what reason the Government's policy on the shielding of people from covid-19 applies to people aged over 70.

Jo Churchill: The United Kingdom Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been guided by the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) with the sole purpose of minimising loss of life. The Government has published the scientific advice given by SAGE which can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-responseIt is important for everyone to follow the Government’s stay at home guidance to minimise the spread of COVID-19. In addition to social distancing measures for everyone it is important for those in the extremely vulnerable category to follow the guidance on shielding. People in this category will be contacted by the National Health Service by no later than 29 March to ensure they are aware. Shielding guidance has also been published online and can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Hospitals: Protective Clothing

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how personal protective equipment has been distributed to hospitals in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) the UK.

Jo Churchill: As of 14 April, since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak we have delivered over 923 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to 58,000 different health and care settings including National Health Service trusts, general practitioners, pharmacies and community providers. We have provided PPE equipment to over 26,000 care homes including home care and hospices across the country. Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, over 48 million PPE items have been delivered. We are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak. We have brought together the NHS, industry and the Armed Forces to create a new nationwide PPE distribution network, delivering critical PPE supplies to those who need it. We have a 24 hours a day, seven days a week helpline for those experiencing supply disruption with business as usual ordering channels. Where there may be any shortages, we act on this immediately. Local Resilience Forums are also supporting care homes, hospices, home care and primary care in getting hold of PPE equipment.

Coronavirus: Health Services

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that healthcare providers in rural areas have adequate (a) trained and (b) equipment during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: As of 14 April, since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak we have delivered over 923 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to 58,000 different health and care settings including National Health Service trusts, general practitioners, pharmacies and community providers. We have provided PPE equipment to over 26,000 care homes including home care and hospices across the country. Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, over 48 million PPE items have been delivered. We are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak. We have brought together the NHS, industry and the Armed Forces to create a new nationwide PPE distribution network, delivering critical PPE supplies to those who need it. We have a 24 hours a day, seven days a week helpline for those experiencing supply disruption with business as usual ordering channels. Where there may be any shortages, we act on this immediately. Local Resilience Forums are also supporting care homes, hospices, home care and primary care in getting hold of PPE equipment.

Health Services: Brent

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to expedite the supply of personal protective equipment to healthcare workers at (a) Northwick Park Hospital and (b) other health facilities in Brent.

Jo Churchill: As of 14 April, since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak we have delivered over 923 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to 58,000 different health and care settings including National Health Service trusts, general practitioners, pharmacies and community providers. We have provided PPE equipment to over 26,000 care homes including home care and hospices across the country. Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, over 48 million PPE items have been delivered. We are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this outbreak. We have brought together the NHS, industry and the Armed Forces to create a new nationwide PPE distribution network, delivering critical PPE supplies to those who need it. We have a 24 hours a day, seven days a week helpline for those experiencing supply disruption with business as usual ordering channels. Where there may be any shortages, we act on this immediately. Local Resilience Forums are also supporting care homes, hospices, home care and primary care in getting hold of PPE equipment.

Coronavirus: Screening

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government prior to the purchase of testing equipment for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The United Kingdom Government is committed to operating on a UK-wide basis in its response to COVID-19 and is working closely with the devolved administrations to coordinate and align testing efforts where possible. As part of our UK-wide testing strategy, we are committed to ensuring the UK gets its fair share of proprietary test kits to deliver the full capability that we are making available. The four nations are working together closely to ensure a joined-up and aligned approach to the UK’s testing response at both a strategic and operational level, including on the provision and supply of testing kits to key workers. This will ensure that all testing needs across the UK can be considered.

Coronavirus: Medical Equipment

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what medical equipment his Department has procured for the Welsh Government in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: Personal protective equipment supplies are being coordinated at a United Kingdom-wide level and allocation is made based on clinical need across the whole country, which ensures a planned and coordinated response to this global pandemic. Furthermore, the Department, working with NHS England, has sourced a large number of oxygen and ventilation devices for the UK. These devices have been distributed across the devolved administrations and crown dependencies. Devices have included oxygen concentrators, ventilators, patient monitors and syringe drivers.

Coronavirus: Medical Equipment

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there are agreements in place between the UK Government and the Welsh Government to prevent competitive bidding for medical equipment needed to respond to the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Motor Neurone Disease: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to include patients with motor neurone disease as people that are defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from covid-19.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Protective Clothing

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to ensure that personal protective equipment provided to NHS workers tackling the covid-19 outbreak is compliant with the standards as specified by the World Health Organization.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust Independent Review

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to lay before Parliament, the terms of reference for the Liverpool Community Health Independent Investigation.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The initial scoping phase of the independent investigation of historic patient safety incidents at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust has commenced in accordance with the announcement by Departmental Ministers in June of last year. The terms of reference which govern the investigation are still being finalised and will be announced in due course subject on any constraints imposed by COVID-19.

Coronavirus: Testing

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with representatives of the university sector on using university labs for testing purposes for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department is working with a cross-section of industry and public sector organisations to increase testing capacity in line with the COVID-19 testing strategy. The Department have engaged individual universities, research institutes and Universities UK about how best to get involved and laboratories at several universities are now providing lab capacity and equipment to labs for testing purposes for COVID-19.

Coronavirus: Intensive Care

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the equality of access to ICU beds in the regions of England during the covid-19 outbreak; and whether the new hospitals in (a) London, (b) Birmingham and (c) Manchester will operate according to a catchment area system.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

DNACPR Decisions

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has plans to issue guidance to (a) Clinical Commissioning Groups and (b) care homes on the use of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders; and whether he has made an assessment of the veracity of claims that people have been pressured into signing DNR forms.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services and Social Services: Pay

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to provide a performance-related pay increase to (a) nurses and (b) others working in the health and social care sectors for their work during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Learning Disability

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of people who have (a) been diagnosed with and (b) died from covid-19 (i) had learning disabilities and/or autism, (ii) were in detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 and (iii) were otherwise classed as disabled under the Equality Act 2010.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Gender

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is collecting data on the gender of people (a) reporting symptoms of, (b) returning a positive test for, (c) admitted to hospital with, (d) requiring intensive care as a result of, (e) requiring ventilation as a result of and (f) dying of covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Local Authorities

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with local authorities to determine which phase of personal protective equipment distribution they should be in.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the phasing system for distributing personal protective equipment to different regions of the UK.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of personal protective equipment in Cumbria.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how geographical areas have been prioritised in the distribution of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons Cumbria was in phase 3 of the distribution of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Barnet

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many deliveries of personal protective equipment were made to (a) NHS and (b) social care providers in the borough of Barnet in each of the last six weeks.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Barnet

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of NHS staff working in the borough of Barnet have been tested for covid-19 in each of the last six weeks.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The information is not available in the format requested. Testing is a vital part of the United Kingdom’s response to COVID-19. The Government is working with industry, academia, the National Health Service and many others, to dramatically increase the number of tests being carried out each day, including for critical key workers. This includes providing tests for NHS, social care and then wider critical key workers (and their families) who are in self or household isolation, to support them to return to work as soon as possible, if they are well enough to do so.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria the Government plans to use to determine when covid-19 lockdown measures can be lifted.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Protective Clothing

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will issue guidance to private social care providers to enable them to assist with the timely distribution of personal protective equipment to care homes.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Babies

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will extend the list of people categorised as vulnerable in respect of the covid-19 outbreak to include newborn babies; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The over 70s, women who are pregnant and adults who are eligible for the flu jab may be at increased risk from COVID-19 and have been advised to be particularly stringent in following stay at home measures.We keep the list of categories which make someone clinically extremely vulnerable under constant clinical review. General practitioners (GPs) and hospital clinicians also have the discretion to add individual patients to the list based on careful, clinical assessments of each individual’s needs. This will require expert clinical judgement on a patient-by-patient basis. GPs and hospital specialists have been provided with guidance to support these decisions.There are currently no plans to extend the list of people categorised as vulnerable to include newborn babies as there is no evidence that babies are any more susceptible to, or have worse outcomes from contracting COVID-19.

NHS: Compensation

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to introduce compensation payments for the families of NHS staff that die as a result of covid-19 infection.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Ventilators

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many new ventilators have been supplied to the NHS as a result of the Prime Minister’s UK ventilator challenge.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Mental Health Services

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to provide mental health support for people who have required hospital critical care services for treatment of covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We recognise that patients who have had COVID-19 may have wider physical and mental health support needs following discharge from inpatient care and intensive care units. NHS England and NHS Improvement is developing guidance for the National Health Service on the appropriate step-down and discharge of COVID-19 patients and that this is expected to be published shortly.

Coronavirus

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons figures have not been published on the number of people who are recovering from covid-19 in the UK.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It is difficult to estimate the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19, since the majority of testing has been for those with medical need, for example for people who are unwell in hospital. The Government does not collect data on people who have mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 at home.The latest available data on the number of COVID-19 cases can be viewed at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, those that have recovered and those that have died.

Childbirth

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the recommendations of The Make Birth Better Survey 2019.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The National Health Service is making arrangements to ensure that women are supported and cared for safely through pregnancy, birth and the period afterwards during and following this pandemic. The NHS Long Term Plan includes new measures to improve safety, quality and continuity of care and a commitment for a further 24,000 women to be able to access specialist perinatal mental health care by 2023/24, building on the additional 30,000 women who will access these services each year by 2020/21 under pre-existing plans.

Coronavirus: British Nationals Abroad

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason UK citizens returning from overseas are not being quarantined.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 testing centres have been set up; how many of those testing centres are located in out-of-town areas; and on what date each of those centres was fully operational.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria his Department used to determine the location of each covid-19 testing centre; what consideration was given to the distance that people might have to travel to reach such centres; and what the average distance is of each of those centres from the nearest town.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the daily capacity is of each of the covid-19 testing centres; and what the average daily attendance has been at each such centre during the covid-19 outbreak.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Protective Clothing

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what evidence the Government has used to reach its decision to recommend the use of aprons rather than gowns on lower risk inpatient wards with patients who have tested positive for covid-19; and for what reasons guidance for the NHS is different from that of the World Health Organisation.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Cleaning Services

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the value of the role of local commercial laundries in cleaning contaminated bedding and other substantial soiled items from care homes; whether the coloured water-soluble bags needed to process soiled items safely have been designated under the category of PPE for essential laundry staff; and if he will urgently allocate resources to manufacturers of water-soluble laundry bags to meet the shortfall of availability to local commercial laundries serving care homes arising from the increased use of such bags by hospitals serving NHS patients.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Consultants

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much his Department has spent on consultancy for work related to the covid-19 outbreak (a) in total and (b) by company.

Edward Argar: Expenditure on COVID-19 will be published as part of the Department’s 2019-20 Annual Report and Accounts later this year.

NHS: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the ability of the NHS to meet targets.

Edward Argar: The National Health Service is facing significant pressure as it responds to patient demand from COVID-19 cases and it is a success that hospital capacity has met the demand for services. The action taken to free up capacity has included the postponement of non-urgent elective treatment while protecting urgent services such as cancer. The response that has been needed is likely, therefore, to impact on the NHS’s ability to meet NHS waiting times standards for routine elective care.

Coronavirus: Patients

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have contracted covid-19 as in-patients in hospitals in England, on each day since 1 January 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have been tested for covid-19 upon admission to hospital, on each day since 1 January 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the scientific assessment supporting the decision not to subject people arriving in the UK to checks for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government considers advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) before adopting new policies and interventions in relation to COVID-19. SAGE relies on external science advice, including advice from expert groups and their papers. In the case of COVID-19, this includes the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG). The agendas and minutes of meetings of NERVTAG are available online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/new-and-emerging-respiratory-virus-threats-advisory-group  The Government has recently published online statements and accompanying evidence which demonstrate how our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved as new data has emerged. These statements are available online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to introduce (a) more stringent testing at airports and (b) a period of quarantine for people entering the UK from regions that have a high incidence of covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the contact details for a team in his Department that companies able to supply large quantities of PPE from abroad can use to explain what PPE products they are able to supply; and if he will take steps to ensure that those companies receive a timely response.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that deaths from covid-19 in care homes are accurately recorded.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Imports

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will allocate funding to reimburse medical companies that import medical equipment necessary for the treatment by the NHS of patients with covid-19 for the increased costs of shipping that equipment from North America, Europe and Asia to the UK to meet the needs of the NHS.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, during the covid-19 outbreak, whether he plans to issue further guidance on (a) self-isolation and (b) testing to UK nationals returning from abroad.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Imports

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Government will (a) reimburse companies' increased air freight costs and (b) vary NHS (i) tenders and (ii) framework to cover the uplift in transport costs for products supplied to the NHS for the treatment of covid-19 patients.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Imports

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the effect of increased air freight fees on the operation of medical companies importing goods at fixed product prices.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Imports

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has had discussions with the Department for Transport on increasing the number of air freight transport routes in operation to minimise delays to the import of medical supplies.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Medical Equipment: Imports

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government is working with air freight companies to prioritise the supply of medical equipment for the treatment of covid-19 patients at an appropriate cost.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Social Services

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will update the Covid-19: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan, published on 10 April 2020, to state that care providers in Wales and Scotland may be supplied with PPE.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Immigrants: Coronavirus

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the levels of covid-19 infection amongst migrant groups with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) status; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people with NRPF status have access to public health information and services.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS Louisa Jordan: Finance

John Lamont: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding the Government has provided to set up NHS Louisa Jordan.

Edward Argar: The National Health Service in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament and all policy and spending decisions are made in Scotland. The devolved administrations receive funding through the Barnett formula. On 13 April the Chancellor announced almost £2 billion from the COVID-19 emergency response fund will go to the devolved administrations through the Barnett formula.

Surgery: Standards

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many elective operations have been cancelled in NHS trusts in England in each month of 2020 to date.

Edward Argar: Collection of this information has been temporarily suspended to free up capacity both centrally within NHS England and NHS Improvement and at local provider level.

Cancer: Coronavirus

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on cancer (a) treatment and (b) care.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to decreasing emergency attendances since lockdown measures were introduced in response to the covid-10 outbreak, what steps his Department is taking to encourage seriously ill people to go to hospital.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to ensure that (a) chemotherapy and (b) organ transplants that have been suspended due to the covid-19 outbreak are resumed as soon as possible.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19-free hospital sites have been created for cancer care in England; and what plans there are to deliver additional such sites in the next four weeks.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have visited covid-19-free hospital sites since the establishment of those sites; and how many of those patients were cancer patients.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Waiting Lists

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients are on Patient Tracking Lists (a) in total and (b) by NHS trust.

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that patients on Patient Tracking Lists are safely monitored and followed up.

Edward Argar: A Patient Tracking List is a forward-looking management tool used to help manage waiting lists and to achieve and sustain short waiting times.The most recent available data (February 2020), shows that the number of incomplete pathways on the national waiting list total is 4,425,306. The number of incomplete pathways by trust, also for February 2020, is attached. The published data provided indicates the number of pathways, not individual patients.Monthly data on referral to treatment times is published routinely by NHS England each month. The published data set includes data for all providers and all commissioners and can be found at the following link:http://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/NHS England and NHS Improvement monitor and manage performance against the waiting times requirements set out in the NHS Operational and Planning Guidance 2020/21. The NHS Standard Contract (which is mandated by NHS England for use by commissioners for all contracts for healthcare services) specifies the minimum expectations for providers’ delivery of operational plans, including waiting times. Local healthcare providers are ultimately responsible for monitoring their waiting lists and ensuring patient safety and follow up.



PQ38582
(Excel SpreadSheet, 25.32 KB)

Coronavirus: Pharmacy

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the supply line to community pharmacies.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Pharmacy: Coronavirus

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of authorising pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines without a prescription to patients who have previously been prescribed those medicines during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS Trusts: Ventilators

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many additional ventilators have been provided (a) in total and (b) to each NHS Trust since 31 January 2020.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS Trusts: Protective Clothing

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the availability of personal protective equipment in NHS Trusts since 31 January 2020.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Speech and Language Therapy: Voluntary Work

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy that retired therapists who return to work as volunteers for the NHS during the covid-19 pandemic are able to re-register with their former professional bodies to obtain insurance equivalent to that being provided for retired doctors re-registering with the GMC; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the 50 testing sites for covid-19 will become fully operational.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the geographical availability of covid-19 testing stations.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what procedures are in place for referring (a) NHS and (b) social care workers to covid-19 testing stations.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Protective Clothing

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of personal protective equipment being used in hospitals where covid-19 patients are being treated can be fully sterilised after use; and what his policy is on minimising single-use products when laundry sterilisation is available.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Business: Coronavirus

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many offers of help have been received via www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business; what the maximum time is within which offers are acknowledged; how many substantive responses have been provided; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Exercise Cygnus

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it the policy of the Government to publish all recommendations resulting from Exercise Cygnus in 2016 other than those which directly affect national security; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the names of businesses (a) that have contacted the Government offering to produce personal protective equipment and (b) whose offers have been accepted.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to assess the viability of businesses that have approached the Government to produce personal protective equipment to the necessary standard for use in the NHS and social care settings.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what mechanism he has established for the receipt and assessment of offers from businesses for the production of personal protective equipment.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Detention Centres

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 tests have been conducted in immigration removal centres as of 21 April 2020; and what testing strategy is in place for those centres.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what level of production of personal protective equipment he estimates will be produced by UK businesses in each of the next three months; and when that equipment will be available for use.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the implications of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 for his Department's policies on reporting the deaths of NHS staff following occupational exposure to covid-19.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons the guidance document Admission and Care of Residents during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home, version 1, published 2 April 2020 was withdrawn on 6 April 2020.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospital Beds: Private Sector

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak how many private healthcare hospital beds the NHS has requisitioned; how many of those beds have been used; and what the cost of that requisitioning has been to date.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Ventilators: Business

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to Answer of 21 April 2020 to Question 34931 on Medical equipment: business, whether (a) his Department and (b) NHS England approached businesses to produce additional ventilators for the NHS between 1 December 2019 and 13 March 2020.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will urgently make it his policy to include people living with (a) pulmonary fibrosis and (b) the after-effects of polio in the list of people classified as vulnerable and at high risk during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

African Coalition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training: Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to the African Coalition for Epidemic Research Response (ALERRT) initiative.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

African Coalition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training: Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to the  Pan-African Network For Rapid Research, Response, Relief and Preparedness for Infectious Disease Epidemics (PANDORA-ID-NET) project.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the locations are of the 50 regional covid-19 test centres that are being created.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of the 27 February 2020 WHO interim guidance on the use of personal protective equipment for covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Coronavirus

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies of the 19 March 2020 WHO interim guidance on the prevention and control of infection in health care when covid-19 is suspected.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department's guidance on covid-19 personal protective equipment aligns with the 27 February 2020 WHO interim guidance on that equipment.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services: Protective Clothing

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the recent survey by the British Dental Association on the availability of personal protective equipment to dentists.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Cancer: Screening

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on trends in the number of cancer diagnoses in the next 12 months of suspending NHS cancer screening programmes.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Dental Services

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the capacity of urgent dental care hubs to treat referred patients.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which UK businesses have contacted the Government with offers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE); what process the Government used to assess these offers; which offers were accepted; and when PPE from those successful offers will be available for use.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Body Bags

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of body bags available for use by (a) the NHS and (b) funeral directors.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Visitors: Coronavirus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data his Department holds on the (a) number of health visitors redeployed from their roles during the covid-19 outbreak, (b) proportion of qualified health visitors that have been redeployed in each area and (c) size of the caseloads held by health visitors following the redeployment of their colleagues.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Visitors: Coronavirus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance has been issued to local authorities on the redeployment of health visitors during the covid-19 outbreak; and whether Public Heath England has taken steps to (a) scrutinise and (b) challenge local decisions on redeployment.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Visitors: Coronavirus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many local areas in England have less than 60 per cent of the pre-covid-19 number of health visitors available to work their normal roles.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Coronavirus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to provide support to (a) health visiting, (b) children’s services, (c) CAMHS and (d) perinatal mental health services for the potential increase in demand for services as a result of (i) missed appointments, (ii) the development of additional needs, (iii) the potential increase in births as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Cancer

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that people with potential cancer symptoms seek help from a GP during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Cancer

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that GPs continue to refer patients for appropriate cancer diagnostic tests during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Department for International Development

Palestinians: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what additional support the Government is providing to the Palestinian authorities in Gaza to help the region prepare for a potential outbreak of covid-19.

James Cleverly: The UK has pledged £744 million to support the global humanitarian response to COVID-19, including the response in Gaza. We are providing additional vital support in the Occupied Palestinian Territories by providing £840,000 to the World Health Organisation and UN Children’s Fund to purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing capacity.The UN assesses that although the current number of detected cases remains relatively low, the capacity of the Palestinian health system to cope with an expected increase in COVID-19 cases is poor. The situation is particularly severe in Gaza, where the health system has shortages in specialised staff, drugs and equipment. We continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with the UN and the international community to ensure a co-ordinated and effective response.

Developing Countries: Coronavirus

Paul Girvan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans her Department has to provide aid to developing countries that are struggling to tackle outbreaks of covid-19.

Wendy Morton: The UK is playing a leading role in the global response to COVID-19, working with our international partners to slow its spread. We are using UK aid to its full effect to counter the health, humanitarian, and economic risks of this pandemic in the developing world. The UK has, so far, pledged £744 million of UK aid to help end this pandemic as quickly as possible. The UK continues to work with international partners, including the United Nations and its agencies, to ensure aid reaches those most in need.The UK strongly supports the UN’s Global Humanitarian Response Plan to tackle COVID-19. Our latest UK aid funding of £200 million, announced on 12 April, will enable humanitarian organisations to help reduce mass infections in developing countries that often lack the healthcare systems to track and halt the virus. This funding includes £130 million to UN agencies in response to their COVID-19 humanitarian appeals. We have also allocated £50 million to the Red Cross and £50 million to match funding from Unilever, for a joint project targeting up to a billion people with awareness and behavioural change campaigns to promote handwashing and providing 20 million hygiene items to help the most vulnerable communities protect themselves.The UK is also providing up to £150 million of UK aid funding, which will go the International Monetary Fund’s Catastrophe Containment Relief Trust to help developing countries meet their debt repayments so that they can focus their available resources on tackling COVID-19. The UK has also worked closely with other G20 creditors and the Paris Club to provide a temporary suspension of debt repayments from the poorest and most vulnerable countries that request relief, further boosting countries’ capacity to respond to the crisis.By preventing the virus from spreading in the poorest countries we will save lives and reduce the risk of future waves of infection spreading around the world, including to the UK.

Iran: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the (a) availability and (b) adequacy of Iranian (i) medical and (ii) sanitation supplies to respond to an outbreak of covid-19 in that country.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether she has made an assessment of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the healthcare system in Iran.

James Cleverly: The Department for International Development and the UK Embassy in Tehran are in close contact with partners in Iran, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), on the ongoing response in the country to COVID-19. The Iranian health system, like others around the world, has been put under significant pressure by the crisis, which is why we are working with the international community to ensure that Iran receives the humanitarian support it needs: The E3 (the UK, France and Germany) have provided a EUR 5 million package of financial and material assistance to Iran via the WHO and UN bodies to help with the response.

Gaza: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the availability of healthcare facilities in Gaza in respect of the covid-19 outbreak in that area.

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department plans to provide support to Gaza to help tackle the outbreak of covid-19 in that area.

James Cleverly: The UK has pledged £744 million to support the global humanitarian response to COVID-19, including the response in Gaza. We are providing additional vital support in the Occupied Palestinian Territories by providing £840,000 to the World Health Organisation and UN Children’s Fund to purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing capacity.The UN assesses that although the current number of detected cases remains relatively low, the capacity of the Palestinian health system to cope with an expected increase in COVID-19 cases is poor. The situation is particularly severe in Gaza, where the health system has shortages in specialised staff, drugs and equipment. We continue to monitor the situation and are working closely with the UN and the international community to ensure a co-ordinated and effective response.

World Health Organisation: Overseas Aid

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what information her Department holds on how the World Health Organisation plans to spend funding granted to that organisation by the UK Government in the next 12 months.

Wendy Morton: The Government provides funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) through a number of specific health programmes and through core funding. In the next 12 months, our core funding will support WHO deliver its 13th General Programme of Work that seeks to protect 1 billion people from health emergencies, provide 1 billion more people with access to universal health coverage, and enable 1 billion more people to live healthier lives. Our health programme support addresses specific UK priorities within the 13th General Programme of Work, for example, health systems strengthening, global health security and work to end the preventable deaths of mothers, children and new-borns.The UK is the second largest Member State funder to WHO overall; this amount varies year upon year based on need – this was around 10% of WHO’s income over the last two years. The UK’s contribution to WHO for COVID-19 response is world-leading and will likely significantly increase UK’s share.

Coronavirus: Charities

Nickie Aiken: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support her Department plans to provide to UK-based international charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: DFID is engaging with civil society partners to understand the delivery and operational challenges they face as a result of COVID-19. We will work collaboratively with civil society partners in receipt of DFID funding to find pragmatic solutions to support both our partners and continuation of our programmes where appropriate.The COVID-19 response will continue to develop rapidly, and we are assessing and monitoring the overall financial health of supply partners to identify organisations we believe are at risk due to COVID-19.We will deliver a comprehensive COVID-19 response through programming to support the global health and economic response, funding for further vaccine development, preparing for the recovery phase and leadership within the international community.

Coronavirus: Charities

Nickie Aiken: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if her Department will take steps to reduce bureaucratic requirements for UK-based international charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: DFID’s approach, in line with the government’s overall approach, is to work collaboratively with partners, including UK based international charities, to find flexible solutions that maintain delivery of essential programmes as far as possible. This applies across grants and contracts, and we are working hard to develop more comprehensive guidance for our partners in these areas.DFID Smart Rules and programme delivery processes are kept under constant review to ensure that they are appropriate, both for partners and in meeting our responsibilities for spending public money.

Coronavirus: Disability

Nickie Aiken: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department plans to promote an inclusive humanitarian response to COVID-19 to meet deliverable 5 of her Department's Strategy for Disability Inclusive Development 2018-23, published in December 2018.

Wendy Morton: The UK is playing a leading role in the global response to COVID-19. The UK has, so far, pledged £744 million of UK aid to help end this pandemic as quickly as possible. In addition, we are urgently redirecting existing support and programmes to be more responsive to COVID-19.The UK continues to work with international partners, including the United Nations and its agencies, to ensure aid reaches those most in need. We are providing expert advice to governments and international partners to act quickly to assess how and where social protection or humanitarian cash systems could be best used to support an efficient, coordinated response. We are prioritising inclusion across this support and ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities, are central to our discussions with partners and governments.Through DFID’s co-chairing role for the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) donor Network, DFID is pushing for a coordinated response to COVID-19 by GLAD members, comprising of bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations and the private sector.

Coronavirus: Commonwealth

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking with her counterparts in Commonwealth countries to ensure that UK aid is directed effectively to communities which are disproportionately affected by lockdowns due to the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Adams: Multilateral organisations, including the United Nations, International Financial Institutions and the Commonwealth, have an important role to play in the global response to COVID-19. We are working with all our international partners in order to galvanise a stronger global effort.We are preventing the poorest countries, which represent a quarter of the world’s population, from collapse by supporting their economies and access to skills and education. Economic disruption hits the world’s poor the most, and would deepen a global recession, making it harder for all of us to bounce back and prosper.DFID has programming and/or a presence in 40 of the 54 Commonwealth member countries. We have assessed existing DFID bilateral programmes that are relevant, wholly or in part, for our response to COVID-19. Some existing DFID bilateral programmes are already being adapted to support vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19 in partner countries. For example, in Bangladesh UKAID is providing a package of assistance that includes support towards the Government’s National Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19 and help to maintain essential humanitarian services. It is also helping to prepare Rohingya and host communities for COVID-19 preparedness in the Rohingya refugee camps. Further changes to bilateral programmes will be considered in response to the evolving situation.We will continue to engage with Governments and international organisations in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that the perspectives and interests of Commonwealth member states – particularly the smallest and most vulnerable – are well understood in international fora.

World Health Organisation: Overseas Aid

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what proportion of Official Development Assistance was allocated to the World Health Organisation in the latest period for which figures are available.

Wendy Morton: Around 1.3% of UK Official Development Assistance was delivered through the World Health Organisation in 2018 calendar year (latest period for which figures are available).This reflects that WHO is a primarily technical and policy-focused agency and is one, important, aspect of the UK’s operational delivery of health and humanitarian programmes.This percentage is likely to be higher for 2020 onwards due to the UK’s significant additional contribution to WHO for the COVID-19 response (an additional £75 million committed specifically for COVID-19 on top of existing programming, for 2020).

Developing Countries: Contraceptives

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic UNFPA Global Response Plan, what steps her Department is taking to (a) work with the United Nations Population Fund to secure the supply of reproductive health products and (b) ensure that women and girls in developing countries continue to have access to (i) contraception and (ii) safe abortion throughout the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: Women and girls will be significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. As UNFPA’s largest donor and a key advocate of the empowerment of women and girls including their sexual and reproductive health and rights, DFID is working closely with UNFPA to ensure continued access to reproductive health products and services.Through the UK’s existing support to UNFPA, including the UNFPA Supplies programme (£425 million between 2020-2025) the UK is providing high quality family planning and essential life-saving maternal health medicines to those in need, including commodities required for post-abortion care and medical abortions where it is legal.Recognising the needs of women and girls impacted by COVID-19, DFID has also committed £10 million of UK emergency funding to UNFPA through the Global Humanitarian Response Plan. This funding will help maintain the supply of reproductive health commodities, including contraception, to ensure continued access for women and girls. Furthermore, the funding will maintain access for women and girls to life-saving sexual and reproductive health services as well as gender-based violence services for those in need.

Developing Countries: Coronavirus

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support her Department is providing to UK-based charities and small businesses to help those organisations tackle the covid-19 outbreak in the developing world.

Wendy Morton: DFID will deliver a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries, through programming to support the global health and economic response, funding for further vaccine development, preparation for the recovery phase and leadership within the international community.We have agreed that part of this funding will go to NGOs, including UK charities that are using British expertise and experience to deal with COVID-19, the majority of which will be allocated through the Rapid Response Facility. We have also committed funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross and British Red Cross to reach populations in some of the hardest to reach areas, including those affected by conflict. We are reviewing our portfolio to identify existing programmes that can support the response immediately and others that can be adapted or scaled up, such as our support to health systems and humanitarian crises.We will continue engaging with UK charities and private sector partners, including Small Medium Enterprises, to address the challenges posed to their organisations and DFID-funded projects by COVID-19.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to help to build resilience amongst domestic health services and systems in developing countries during the covid-19 outbreak.

Wendy Morton: Strong and resilient national health systems are vital to global health security and helping to protect the world from infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The UK has, so far, pledged £744 million of UK aid to help end the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly as possible. This includes a package of £200 million to support UK charities and international organisations to help reduce mass infections in developing countries, which often lack the healthcare systems to track and prevent the virus from spreading.Through our multilateral partnerships with organisations like the WHO and the World Bank, and our regional and national programmes, the UK supports developing countries to make their domestic health systems stronger and more resilient. In turn this enables them to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, such as COVID-19. For example, DFIDs’ Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme includes capacity building for health security and preparedness for health emergencies, including disease surveillance.

Kashmir: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the (a) availability and (b) adequacy of (i) medical and (ii) sanitation supplies in response to the covid-19 outbreak in Kashmir.

Nigel Adams: The UK continues to monitor the response to Covid-19 globally, including in Kashmir. DFID is working with global institutions, including the World Health Organisation, to ensure supplies are directed to those in greatest need.India and Pakistan, like the rest of the world, faces challenges ensuring sufficient supplies and equipment to medical facilities. We are monitoring information on supplies in both Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Kashmir: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what additional support the Government is providing to people in Kashmir to help the region with the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Adams: The UK has so far pledged £744 million to tackle Covid-19 and save lives around the world. This includes £250 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation to rapidly develop a COVID-19 vaccine, the biggest donation of any country.The World Bank (in which the UK has a significant shareholding) has already made a $6 billion available – including to India and to Pakistan - to support governments to strengthen health systems, including better access to health services to safeguard people from the epidemic, strengthen disease surveillance, and bolster public health interventions.DFID's programmes in India focus on the lowest income states, which do not include Kashmir. DFID's programmes in Pakistan include support to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Bangladesh: Migrant Camps

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) representations she has made to the Bangladeshi Government and (b) assessment she has made on the effect of telecommunications restrictions in refugee camps in Bangladesh on work to reduce covid-19 infection rates in those camps.

Nigel Adams: Through Ministers and the British High Commission in Dhaka, we continue to raise the issue of telecommunications restrictions in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh with representatives of the Government of Bangladesh.Restrictions on 3G and 4G communications in the Rohingya camps are severely hindering COVID-19 preparedness. There are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in the refugee camps in Bangladesh; however, these restrictions limit the ability of agencies to share information with the refugees and with each other; and for the Rohingya to self-organise. Good communications are critical for preparedness, surveillance, response, delivering critical services, and for maintaining stability in the camps.

John Nkengasong

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when (a) she and (b) her Ministers last met Dr John Nkengasong, Director of the African Union CDC, to discuss tackling the covid-19 pandemic.

James Duddridge: We are supporting the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) COVID-19 response by deploying a UK Public Health Rapid Support Team and £2 million of research and response capacity-building funding alongside the Wellcome Trust from our Joint Initiative on Research for Epidemic Preparedness Programme. We also have a Public Health England expert on long term secondment to Africa CDC with whom I have spoken.Members of the Government and UK officials are in regular contact with senior Africa CDC representatives. I spoke with the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, H.E. Amira El Fadil and Dr Benjamin Djoudalbaye, Head of the Division of Policy, Health Diplomacy and Communication on Tuesday 21 April to discuss the work of Africa CDC and the UK’s on-going support. UK officials have also spoken with Dr John Nkengasong and his team and are due to do so again this week.

Department for Education

Children: Day Care

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what respite care his Department is planning to provide for (a) lone parents and (b) carers looking after children with special needs or disabilities who may not be able to care for their child if they contract covid-19.

Vicky Ford: Holding answer received on 21 April 2020



The welfare of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers is a high priority for the government, especially during this period of uncertainty. We are working closely with colleagues across government to ensure that appropriate arrangements and support are in place for all Department for Education sectors – from the early years and childcare, to schools and children’s social care, including for children with special educational needs. The government is providing local authorities with an additional £3.2 billion to help them cope with the impact of the pandemic, including within the SEND and children’s social care sectors. The access of parents and carers to respite care and their subsequent ability to safely meet the health and care needs of their children is key to determining whether vulnerable children and young people are safer in their home or educational setting. However, the responsibility for commissioning any at-home provision lies with the local authority responsible for maintaining Education, Health and Care plans, though it may be possible for some of the provision to be provided by the school or college. Guidance is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance.

Education: Internet

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he is taking steps to ensure that online access to learning is put in place for pupils and students at schools and higher education institutions that have not developed online resources; and if he will make a statement.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support his Department is providing to schools to help facilitate remote and e-learning.

Nick Gibb: The Department is committed to ensuring that children can continue to learn at home in these very difficult circumstances. We recognise that many schools and colleges have already shared resources for children who are at home, and we are grateful for this.The higher education regulator in England, the Office for Students, has produced guidance on practical ways in which university students can complete their studies whilst ensuring quality and standards are upheld.The Government is working closely with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education to ensure students continue to leave university with qualifications that have real value, reflect their hard work and allow people to progress.The Department has issued guidance for schools which signposts to an initial list of free online resources identified by educational experts and teachers. Many other suppliers have also helpfully made their resources available for free. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources.The Department has also issued information, guidance and support to parents and carers of children who at home, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19.Leading state schools have collaborated to open The Oak National Academy, which was launched online on 20 April. This new initiative is led by 40 teachers who have assembled video lessons and resources for any teacher in the country to make use of if they wish to do so. 180 video lessons will be provided each week, across a broad range of subjects, for every year group from Reception through to Year 10. Additionally, the BBC has developed resources for families as part of a comprehensive new education package, which is now available on TV and online.Devices will be ordered for the most disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for examinations in Year 10, for those who receive support from a social worker, and for care leavers.Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we are working to provide 4G connectivity to them so that they can study at home.Local authorities, trusts and other relevant organisations overseeing schools have been given guidance on how to place online orders for Government-funded and allocated devices for eligible children and young people.The Department is also working with major telecommunications providers to exempt certain educational resources from data charges, so that this does not add to household expense.

Students: Coronavirus

Mr Richard Holden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that university students in their final year receive the support they need during the covid-19 outbreak.

Michelle Donelan: The government is doing all it can to keep staff and students at our universities safe in this unprecedented situation, while mitigating the impact on education. I have written to students to outline the support available and we continue to work closely with the sector, putting student wellbeing at the heart of these discussions. The letter to students is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/media/7becd51c-f4a5-486d-a2b6-9d43c0042ba8/minister-donelan_message-to-students.pdf. My clear expectation is that universities should make all reasonable efforts to enable students to continue and complete their studies; for their achievements to be reliably assessed; and for qualifications to be awarded securely. Despite the significant disruption being felt across the higher education sector, students deserve appropriate support and recognition for their hard work and dedication - many universities and colleges have moved rapidly to develop new ways of delivering courses through online teaching and alternatives to traditional end-of-course exams. The Office for Students has also recently confirmed that providers are able to use the student premium to support students to access IT equipment and internet connectivity where needed. Students will continue to receive scheduled payments of loans towards their living costs for 2019/20. Both tuition and living costs payments will continue irrespective of closures or whether learning has moved online. Many students will be feeling uncertain and anxious and it is vital that students can still access the mental health support that they need. Many providers are bolstering their existing mental health services and adapting the delivery of these services to means other than face-to-face. These services are likely to be an important source of support to students during this period of isolation.

Schools: Coronavirus

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools will remain open during school holidays for the children of key workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: Schools will remain closed until further notice, except for children of critical workers and vulnerable children. We will only re-open schools when the scientific advice indicates it is safe to do so, and will engage closely with the sector on our approach.The Government encouraged schools to remain open in order to continue to look after critical workers’ children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays and we are grateful to the many schools that did so.No decision has been taken yet on arrangements for future school holidays.

Assessments: Coronavirus

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that exam boards provide timely guidance to students on requirements for coursework once the covid-19 outbreak is over.

Nick Gibb: This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, to write to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Supply Teachers

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to support supply teachers who are employed through an agency and are not eligible for furlough via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Nick Gibb: As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, have made clear, the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.Our latest school workforce guidance on COVID-19, including supply teachers, is set out below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-school-closures/guidance-for-schools-about-temporarily-closing#supply-teachers-and-other-contingent-workers.Further guidance on financial support for all education institutions is set out below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care.These are rapidly developing circumstances. We continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Apprentices: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure students who are unable to complete apprenticeships are awarded their qualifications following the covid-19 outbreak.

Gillian Keegan: Wherever possible, we want apprentices and employers to continue apprenticeships and complete end-point assessment. We have introduced flexibilities to mitigate the effects of disruption to assessment, training or employment caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.We are encouraging training providers to deliver training to apprentices remotely and via e-learning as far as is practicable. This includes furloughed apprentices who are able to continue with their apprenticeship training and end-point assessment. We are also allowing the modification of end-point assessment arrangements, including remote assessments wherever practicable and possible, to enable apprentices to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Apprentices who have been made redundant are also be able to complete their training and assessment in certain circumstances. Our intention is to safeguard the quality of apprenticeships, and we believe that end-point assessment is an important part of that.Guidance setting out how the apprenticeship programme is responding to the impact of COVID-19 is available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response. We are keeping the guidance under review and will publish updates as the situation evolves.

Students: Universal Credit

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on enabling students that are unable to (a) work and (b) be furloughed to claim universal credit during the covid-19 pandemic.

Michelle Donelan: Students with a part time employment contract should speak to their employer about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which has been set up to help pay staff wages and keep people in employment. HMRC are working urgently to get the scheme up and running and we expect the first grants to be paid within weeks. Students suffering hardship should in the first instance contact their provider. Many universities have hardship funds to support students most in need and contact details are available on university websites. Undergraduate students studying on full-time courses will continue to receive their maintenance loan payments as planned for the remainder of this academic year, 2019/20. Eligible students who need to undertake additional weeks of study on their course in the current academic year may qualify for additional long courses loan to help with their living costs. Certain groups of students eligible for benefits such as lone parents will continue to qualify for Universal Credit in addition to their maintenance loans.

Schools: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure children in homes without reliable internet connectivity are supported during school closures as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: On 19 April 2020, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that devices will be provided for the most disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for exams (in Year 10), or receive support from a social worker or are a care leaver. Local authorities, trusts and other relevant organisations overseeing schools have been given guidance on how to place online orders for government-funded and allocated devices for eligible children and young people.Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we will also provide the capability for them to access the internet.Additionally, the country’s major telecommunication companies will make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.For those in rural areas or without a connection, schools will be able to draw on support from the BBC which is broadcasting lessons on television; as well as their existing resources and the many resources offers which have been made by publishers across the country.

Students: Coronavirus

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has  made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the (a) employment opportunities for disabled students and (b) ability of disabled students to pay the required £200 contribution towards the cost of assistive technology via the disabled students' allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what representations he has received from disabled students on access to assistive technology via the disabled students' allowance due to the economic effect of the covid-19 outbreak; and if will make a statement.

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of suspending the requirement for disabled students to contribute £200 towards the purchase of assistive technology through the disabled students’ allowance during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Michelle Donelan: Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) provide for the additional costs that disabled students may face in higher education because of their disability. A basic computer is a mainstream cost of study and students are therefore expected to make a £200 contribution towards the cost of any computer recommended as part of their needs assessment. The contribution is for computer hardware only; students are not expected to fund recommended specialist software or training in how to use it.There are currently no plans to suspend the requirement for disabled students to contribute £200 towards the purchase of a computer.The department has not received any representations from disabled students on access to assistive technology through DSA support in relation to the economic effect of the Covid-19 outbreak.It is too early to assess the effect of the Covid-19 outbreak on the employment opportunities for disabled students.These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Schools: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to support pupils who do not have access to equipment for online learning during school closures due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: On 19 April 2020, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that devices will be provided for the most disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for exams (in Year 10), or receive support from a social worker or are a care leaver. Local authorities, trusts and other relevant organisations overseeing schools have been given guidance on how to place online orders for government-funded and allocated devices for eligible children and young people.Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we will also provide the capability for them to access the internet.Additionally, the country’s major telecommunication companies will make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.For those in rural areas or without a connection, schools will be able to draw on support from the BBC which is broadcasting lessons on television; as well as their existing resources and the many resources offers which have been made by publishers across the country.

Schools: Shropshire

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children of key workers have attended school in (a) Shropshire and (b) Telford and Wrekin since 23 March 2020 or the most recent period for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: On Monday 21 April, national data on pupil attendance in educational establishments between Monday 23 March and Friday 17 April was published, and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings.The data indicates that 84,000 children attended school on Friday 17 April, of which 62,000 were classed as children of critical workers.The data is collected from individual schools and the published figures include estimates for non-response. Equivalent estimates have not been made at local authority level.

Apprentices: Qualifications

Janet Daby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has had with the Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education on training providers to assess apprentices' qualification based on (a) progress at work and (b) coursework results.

Gillian Keegan: Wherever possible, we want apprentices and employers to continue apprenticeships and complete end-point assessment. We are working closely with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to introduce flexibilities to mitigate the effects of disruption to assessment, training or employment caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.End-point assessments can now be carried out remotely if they are authorised by the external quality assurance provider for the apprenticeship standard. The requirements for this are set out in the guidance published on the IfATE’s website: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/response-to-covid-19/. Our intention is to safeguard the quality of apprenticeships and end-point assessment is an important part of that. We do not consider that it would be appropriate to estimate an apprentice’s occupational competence by other means.Guidance setting out how the apprenticeship programme is responding to the impact of Covid-19 is available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response. We are keeping the guidance under review and will publish updates as the situation evolves.

Supply Teachers: Coronavirus

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on ensuring that supply teachers that are employed through umbrella companies receive 80 per cent of their average wage, rather than 80 per cent of their basic pay, while furloughed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: Officials at all levels are working collaboratively across Government to meet the extraordinary challenges of these unprecedented times.Employers can claim for any regular payments they are obliged to pay their employees. This includes wages, past overtime, fees, and compulsory commission payments. However, discretionary bonus, commission, and non-cash payments, including tips, should be excluded.Full guidance on how to calculate 80% of employees’ wages can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages-to-claim-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Free School Meals: Coronavirus

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools will be reimbursed if they bought free school meals vouchers from another retailer due to being unable to access the Edenred scheme during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: To provide free school meals for pupils not attending school we are encouraging schools to speak to their catering team or provider in the first instance to see if they can prepare meals or food parcels that could be delivered to, or collected by, families. Where this is not possible, we have developed a national voucher scheme to enable schools to provide supermarket vouchers.We are providing extra funding to schools, on top of existing budgets, to cover unavoidable costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak that cannot be met from their existing resources. This includes local free school meal arrangements set up by schools to support eligible children, where our national voucher scheme is not appropriate or before it was introduced. The guidance on this additional funding is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools.

Nurseries: Coronavirus

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the guidance issued by his Department to private nurseries on furloughing employees during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: Although the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is UK-wide, the Department for Education’s guidance relating to it applies to England only. Whether or not the Scottish Government should publish equivalent guidance is a decision for the Scottish Government, with the input of HM Treasury. The Scottish Government has been closely involved in the UK response to COVID-19. Treasury ministers and officials are in close touch with their Scottish counterparts regarding the CJSR.

Students: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to support school students who do not have internet access during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: On 19 April 2020, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that devices will be provided for the most disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for exams (in Year 10), or receive support from a social worker or are a care leaver. Local authorities, trusts and other relevant organisations overseeing schools have been given guidance on how to place online orders for government-funded and allocated devices for eligible children and young people.Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we will also provide the capability for them to access the internet.Additionally, the country’s major telecommunication companies will make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.For those in rural areas or without a connection, schools will be able to draw on support from the BBC which is broadcasting lessons on television; as well as their existing resources and the many resources offers which have been made by publishers across the country.

Children: Day Care

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will enable childcare providers that receive early years entitlement funding to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Vicky Ford: The government has put in place a number of funding and financial measures to support organisations, both public and private, during the COVID-19 outbreak. These are intended to be temporary, timely and targeted in order to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption.The ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care’ guidance, published on 17 April 2020, sets out the financial support that is available for different types of education, early years and children’s social care providers in England, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. It is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care#sector-specific-guidance.Wider guidance for childcare providers is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures.It is only fair that employers do not receive two public funding streams to pay for the same staff costs and this principle applies universally across all sectors. A package of support for early years businesses is available, including a business rates holiday, a £10,000 grant for businesses too small to pay business rates and the Coronavirus Job Retention and Self Employment Income Support Schemes.

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the data entitled Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings published by his Department on 21 April 2020, what proportion of the children classified as vulnerable were (a) classified as children in need and (b) hold an Education, Health and Care plan.

Vicky Ford: 24,000 of the children in attendance on Friday 17 April were classed by schools as vulnerable. Of these, around 6,000 had an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, and 14,000 were children in need (reported by schools as having a social worker). The remainder were unknown, where schools either did not provide this information or the children were classed vulnerable for other reasons. This data corresponds with the last day of the Easter break in most parts of the country. The department is working with educational settings and local authorities to improve our understanding of the total number of vulnerable children for whom continued attendance at educational establishments would be beneficial and appropriate. This is in recognition of the fact that attendance may not be appropriate for some children, including because of health considerations and risks, and that many children with EHC plans may be able to have their needs met in the home environment. Full guidance on the definition of vulnerable children and options for continued attendance can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people.

Students: Coronavirus

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to support online learning for disadvantaged university students.

Michelle Donelan: As my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have both made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.Despite the significant disruption being felt across the higher education (HE) sector, students rightly deserve the appropriate support and recognition for their hard work and dedication. HE providers take their responsibilities seriously and are best placed to identify the needs of their student body as well as how to develop the services needed to support it. Many HE providers have moved rapidly to develop new ways of delivering courses through online teaching and alternatives to traditional end-of-course exams.When making changes to the delivery of their courses, HE providers need to consider how they support all students, particularly the most vulnerable. This includes students suffering from COVID-19, students who need to self-isolate, international students and students who are either unable or less able to access remote learning for whatever reason, as well as care leavers, students who are estranged from their families and students with disabilities.The Office for Students (OfS) has recently published guidance setting out the actions that it will take to support providers to maintain standards and teaching quality. It highlights flexible models for teaching, learning and assessment that will most likely satisfy OfS quality and standard conditions. On 23 March, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education published the first in a series of good practice guidance notes that are available to all UK HE providers.HE providers should make all reasonable efforts to enable students to complete their studies, for achievement to be reliably assessed and for qualifications to be awarded securely.Many HE providers will have hardship funds to support students in times of need, including emergencies. The expectation is that where any student requires additional support, such as access to the Internet, providers will support them through their own hardship funds. The OfS have stated that providers are permitted to divert more of their student premium funding to their hardship funds to support students, including through the purchase of IT equipment. Providers should particularly ensure that students in the most vulnerable groups are able to access this support where needed.

Pre-school Education: Coronavirus

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support he is providing to the early years sector during the covid-19 outbreak; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of that support.

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the early years sector.

Vicky Ford: The government has put in place a number of financial and other measures to support organisations, both public and private, during the COVID-19 outbreak. These are intended to be temporary, timely and targeted, to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption. The ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care’ guidance sets out the financial support that is available for early years providers in England, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. It is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care#sector-specific-guidance. There are also targeted arrangements for the early years sector, for instance, the one-year business rates holiday for Ofsted-registered private childcare settings in 2020-21. These are rapidly developing circumstances and we continue to keep the situation under review for short- and long-term planning. We will continue to work closely with HM Treasury to monitor how the support packages are benefitting the early years sector and individual early years organisations. Guidance on early years and childcare closures is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures.

Ministry of Justice

Prisons: Coronavirus

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure security in prisons in the event that prison staff become infected with covid-19.

Lucy Frazer: COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges that we must address in order to maintain the provision of services in custody. As ever, the safety of our staff and those in our care remains of primary concern, and we are doing all that we can to protect them. Prisons have existing, well-developed policies and procedures in place to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases. We have also been working closely with Public Health and NHS services to put robust contingency plans in place in response to the specific risks posed by COVID-19.Prisons are currently operating under temporarily restricted regimes so we can implement the Government’s measures to encourage the public to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. Staff are being re-deployed, where appropriate, from headquarters into operational roles. The Government also recently announced an extension of testing to prison and probation staff. Staff who had been self-isolating because they or a member of their household have symptoms of coronavirus will be able to return to work where they test negative.In recognition of the importance of continued contact with family and to ensure stability in our jails, the Government has moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members. Around 60% of the prison estate now has access to in-cell telephony and for those that do not, we have rolled out 900 locked mobile phone handsets.We have also worked with Prison Education Framework providers and local prison teams to collate distraction packs and in-cell activities.

Probation: Coronavirus

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will provide guidance to probation services on the circumstances in which face-to-face meetings with offenders can be avoided during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: Probation staff are considered key workers but we are encouraging them to work from home when possible. Probation officers will continue supervising in person those who pose the highest risk ensuring the monitoring of high-risk offenders remains as tough as it always is. Face-to-face contact will remain for terrorists, offenders without a phone and prison leavers reporting for their initial appointment. Guidance has been issued to staff on adherence to government instructions on social distancing when conducting face to face supervision. Additional hygiene products are also being provided to reporting sites. Doorstep visits will be the default option for all other high-risk offenders and medium-risk offenders with domestic abuse or other safeguarding issues. This will involve a phone call with the offender visible to their probation officer, with a separation of at least 2m. Video and voice calls will be used in addition. Lower-risk offenders will now be supervised more frequently, via telephone or video messaging rather than face-to-face. If staff believe it is the right thing to do, offenders can always be recalled to prison.

Domestic Abuse: Children

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the representations made by the Barnardo’s charity on strengthening the provisions relating to children in the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Alex Chalk: The enhanced Domestic Abuse Bill, as re-introduced on 3 March, includes a new statutory duty on tier one local authorities in England to provide support to victims of domestic abuse, and their children, within safe accommodation. This new measure augmented those already in the Bill addressing the impact of domestic abuse on children. As provided for in clause 66(2)(b), the statutory guidance which will accompany the Bill will recognise the effect of domestic abuse on children. The guidance will outline the range of impacts domestic abuse can have on children, as well as appropriate support and referral mechanisms. The Bill will also establish in law, the independent Domestic Abuse Commissioner who will be required to consider the impact of domestic abuse on children, and the services available to them. In the Government’s further response to the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill (CP 214), also published on 3 March, we indicated that the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has agreed to undertake an in-depth exploration of the current community-based support landscape. The Government will then work with the Commissioner to understand the needs identified and develop options on how best to address them. I can confirm that the Justice Secretary is in regular contact with his Cabinet colleagues on support for children affected by domestic abuse, including the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as with leading charitable organisations working in this sector. In addition, we know that there are specific concerns for victims of domestic abuse and their children during the COVD-19 outbreak. We are working with other Government Departments to ensure that sufficient support is in place for these victims

Marriage: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if the Government will extend the validity period of marriage notices issued in 2020 by 12 months to allow weddings cancelled as a result of the outbreak of covid-19 to take place.

Alex Chalk: The Government acknowledges the significant upheaval that Covid-19 is causing for couples who were looking to marry at this time. The requirement to solemnize a marriage within twelve months of giving notice to marry is set out in primary legislation and would require primary legislation to amend. We are exploring what changes might be possible in relation to marriages at this time, and in line with Public Health England guidance on social distancing.

Prisoners

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people have been admitted to prison (a) in total and b) with sentences of less than 12 months since 23 March 2020.

Lucy Frazer: The requested data is not available at this time. Prison receptions data covering January – March 2020 is planned for publication in July 2020 and receptions data covering April – June 2020 is planned for publication in October 2020.

Legal Services Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority: Standards

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what processes are in place to ensure that the (a) Legal Services Board and (b) Solicitors Regulation Authority operate within the minimum expected standard of performance across their five regulatory performance standards.

Alex Chalk: The Legal Services Board (LSB) is responsible for monitoring, reviewing and assessing regulators – including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – to ensure they meet the minimum expected standard of performance across the regulatory performance standards. As the oversight body, the regulatory performance standards do not apply directly to the LSB itself. As an Arm’s Length Body, the LSB carries out its operational functions, including applying the performance standards, independently of the Department. The Ministry of Justice monitors the performance of the LSB against its statutory responsibilities as set out in the Legal Services Act 2007 and the policy objectives set out in its annual business plans. Oversight of its performance is carried out through a partnership arrangement which includes assurance meetings between officials of the Department and senior LSB executives.

Prisoners' Transfers: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners have been moved from prisons in England to (a) HMP Berwyn, (b) HMP Cardiff, (c) HMP Parc, (d) HMP Swansea and (e) HMP Usk/Prescoed since the start of the covid-19 lockdown on 23 March 2020.

Lucy Frazer: We are working very closely with Public Health Wales to ensure our approach to the outbreak of Covid-19 is based on the best scientific advice available. It has been agreed that normal transfer processes would be suspended temporarily in order to reduce the opportunities for inter-prison transmission of Covid-19 in Wales. At present, all transfers must be agreed by exception through HM Prison and Probation Service’s command structure. Since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown on 23rd March, 11 prisoners and Young Persons have transferred from prisons in England to prisons in Wales. Due to the size of the data we are not able to provide a breakdown by prison.

Prisoners' Release: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many inmates will be temporarily released from (a) HMP Berwyn, (b) HMP Cardiff, (c) HMP Parc, (d) HMP Swansea and (e) HMP Usk/Prescoed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what arrangements are in place in Wales to support prisoners released back into their local communities in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what additional funding will be made available to the Welsh Government to provide temporary accommodation for prisoners that have been released as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: In Wales, HM Prison and Probation Service has engaged directly with Welsh Government, local authorities, police, Public Health Wales and local health boards to plan for the release of individuals. In addition, we have established a multi-agency Homelessness Prevention Taskforce to ensure that accommodation issues do not unduly delay the potential release programme and ensure seamless integration of support services such as substance misuse, health and mental health ‘through the gate’. No offender will be released early without housing and healthcare support being in place. We have issued comprehensive instructions for the process of risk assessing those suitable for discharge under the early release scheme and the management of their discharge. This includes accommodation, police, probation checks as well as the risk management process, pre-release, licence conditions for the End of Custody Temporary Release and standard release, enforcement and electronic monitoring. The number of prisoners who will be temporarily released from Welsh establishments has not been finalised while risk assessments are carried out and support for individuals is arranged. The Government has agreed that individuals released through the early release scheme will be eligible for Universal Credit (UC) and the associated housing benefit element, where required. Therefore, for those in receipt of UC, the cost of accommodating individuals during this period will be covered through housing benefit. Additionally, where accommodation is secured, which is not eligible for housing benefit, or for which the costs are not fully covered by housing benefit, then HMPPS will cover the cost of the accommodation until the normal end of custody release date.

Prisoners' Release: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with (a) the Welsh Government and (b) representatives of Public Health Wales on the release of prisoners from prisons in Wales as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: Since the beginning of the outbreak of Covid-19, HMPPS officials in Wales have had twice weekly meetings with the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales to discuss the arrangements for the release of prisoners. Furthermore, since 1st April there have been weekly all-Wales Outbreak Control Team meetings convened to discuss various issues, including the release of prisoners. There has also been engagement between UK Government and Welsh Government ministers.

Prisoners' Release: Terrorism

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people convicted of terrorism-related charges have been released before the end date of their sentence in each year since 2010.

Lucy Frazer: In England and Wales since 2010, no terrorist offender has been released from management by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) before the end of their sentence. As per Criminal Justice Act 2003, prisoners will serve half of their sentence in custody before being subject to strict probation supervision in the second half – which has happened in most cases. During this time terrorist offenders are subject to strict licence conditions, which can result in recall to custody if they are breached. Regarding those terrorist offenders who have moved from prison custody to management in the community, the table below provides the data available to the department, from 2013 – 2019. This data was not collected before 2013: Table 1: Number of TACT convicted prisoners released on conditional licence, from January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2019.* YearNo. of Conditional Releases201322201411201516201614201730201834201922 The Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act, which came into force on 26 February, now means that the early release of terrorist offenders serving relevant sentences, will now be subject to Parole Board decisions. The Act changes the release arrangements for terrorist offenders serving determinate sentences, moving the earliest point of release, subject to a Parole Board decision from half-way to two thirds of the custodial term.  *Data sources and qualityThe above figures relate to TACT Convicted prisoners only, for this reason the numbers do not match the statistics published under the Home Office Statistical Bulletin. The figures in these tables have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners: Coronavirus

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress he has made on installing temporary sleeper pods in prisons to aid the isolating of covid-19 prisoners; how many pods have been ordered; and how long those pods are planned to be used.

Lucy Frazer: Creating additional space in the existing estate, alongside measures to limit prisoner movement and releasing low-risk offenders, will help prevent our NHS being overwhelmed. We began installing the first wave of 500 temporary, single occupancy cells in the week commencing 6 April. So far, 300 units have now been delivered to eight HMPPS sites and installation is in progress. The first 48 were installed at HMP North Sea Camp and we have also installed 24 cells at both HMPs Highpoint and Hollesley Bay. These are undergoing the final operational checks before being occupied. Installation continues at HMPs Littlehey, Moorland/Lindholme, Wymott, Coldingley and Hatfield. Our ambition is to secure and install 2000 additional cells to help contain the spread of COVID-19 within our prisons. A further 80 single occupancy cells have been confirmed to hire, bringing the total confirmed at 580. We are successfully working with further companies to secure hundreds more to place across the prison estate. These units are a temporary measure to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Prisoners will return to their usual accommodation arrangements when safe to do so. Once the units are no longer required they will be removed.

*No heading*

Mrs Maria Miller: What plans he has to ensure that courts are able to respond to increases in domestic abuse cases (a) during and (b) after the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Chalk: Domestic abuse cases are amongst the highest priority work being dealt with by the courts. Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Non-Molestation orders have been placed in the highest category of work in the magistrates’ and family courts, and they continue to be listed for urgent hearings despite the current restrictions. The magistrates’ courts have been focusing on cases where the defendant is being held in custody, but their work is now being extended to include bail cases where there is a vulnerable victim, such as domestic abuse cases, and these cases are being reviewed by the judiciary. Domestic abuse cases will continue to be afforded a higher priority as social distancing restrictions are eased after the Covid-19 outbreak.

*No heading*

Sam Tarry: What steps he is taking to ensure that private (a) prisons and (b) probation contractors are taking appropriate measures in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: Some contracted prisons are among our best performing establishments and I would like to thank Directors of private prisons for their resolute cooperation during this challenging time. All public and private prisons are aligned and working together during the COVID-19 pandemic, which gives testament to the good function of a mixed economy in prisons. As with prisons, contracted probation services are running more streamlined delivery models, aligned with the models used by public probation services during the COVID-19 crisis. And we must not forget the good work of other contracted services such as the Electronic Monitoring Service and Prisoner Escort and Custody Service.

*No heading*

Virginia Crosbie: What steps his Department is taking to protect the public in response to the temporary release of prisoners during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: On 4 April, this Government announced its intention to temporarily release risk-assessed prisoners as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives. Public protection is our top priority. No high-risk offenders will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term. Likewise, no prisoner will be released if they have symptoms of coronavirus or without housing and health support being in place. Prisoners who pass the stringent criteria for early release will be subject to strict conditions, and will be electronically monitored, including with GPS tags, with the option to recall to prison if necessary.

*No heading*

Jacob Young: What steps his Department is taking to protect the public in response to the temporary release of prisoners during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: On 4 April, this Government announced its intention to temporarily release risk-assessed prisoners as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives. Public protection is our top priority. No high-risk offenders will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term. Likewise, no prisoner will be released if they have symptoms of coronavirus or without housing and health support being in place. Prisoners who pass the stringent criteria for early release will be subject to strict conditions, and will be electronically monitored, including with GPS tags, with the option to recall to prison if necessary.

*No heading*

Matt Western: What changes his Department plans to make to the operation of probation services during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: Probation is operating under an exceptional delivery model which prioritises public protection and offender management in the community. Probation officers continue supervising in person those who pose the highest risk ensuring the monitoring of high-risk offenders remains as tough as it always is. At the same time, we are supervising lower-risk offenders using more frequent video and telephone calls. We have set up Homelessness Prevention Taskforces to support offenders who are being temporarily released from prison as part of efforts to keep prisons safe during this period. These teams are working with the police to carry out the relevant risk assessments, including checks on domestic abuse and safeguarding issues.

Department for International Trade

Medical Equipment: Procurement

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will publish the attendance of her Department's Covid international procurement meetings.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, on what date the proposed deal with AllTest Biotech and Wondfo Biotech was discussed at the Covid international procurement meeting.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, on what date her Department’s COVID international procurement meetings (a) were established and (b) became twice daily events.

Greg Hands: Department for International Trade Ministers have been working with officials throughout the Covid-19 crisis to ensure that disruption to the UK economy, industry and supply chains are kept to a minimum. It has been the practice of successive administrations that the Government does not disclose details of internal departmental meetings.

Coronavirus: Trade

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with G20 Trade Ministers on (a) maintaining trade routes and (b) avoiding unnecessary barriers to trade during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in (a) France and (b) Germany on (i) keeping global trade routes open and (ii) avoiding unnecessary barriers to trade during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with the European Commission on (a) keeping global trade routes open and (b) avoiding unnecessary barriers to trade during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Greg Hands: Coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced in decades. Free trade and resilient supply chains will be crucial to the global economic recovery as the crisis passes. The UK is continuing to provide economic leadership to protect the global economy from permanent damage through regular dialogue with international partners among the G7, G20 and the EU. We have taken a key role in discussions with G20 counterparts, including the EU and its Member States, both leading up to and following the G20 Trade Ministers Statement on 30 March. This statement included a commitment to avoiding disruption to global supply chains and agreed that any trade restrictive measures put in place as a result of Covid-19 must be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary. We will continue to drive forward this important work, engaging our key trading partners to raise ambition and maintain momentum.

Aviation: Trade

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions (a) she, (b) Ministers and (c) officials of her Department have had with the International Air Transport Association on (i) maintaining existing global airline-based trade routes to and from the UK and (ii) reopening other such trade routes (A) during and (B) after the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Greg Hands: This Department has not been in communication with the International Air Transport Association.

UK Export Finance: Renewable Energy

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the £2 billion allocated to UK Export Finance’s lending facility to support clean energy announced at Budget 2020, what the criteria for that support will be; what types of support will be offered; and what energy technologies will be eligible for that support.

Graham Stuart: UK Export Finance (UKEF) is currently determining eligibility criteria for the new Direct Lending Facility for clean growth solutions which was announced at the Budget in March. UKEF will publish guidance on its website shortly. The facility will provide fixed-rate loans directly to overseas borrowers to help them finance the purchase of capital goods and/or services from UK exporters and suppliers to support clean growth project internationally up to a value of £200 million per loan.

UK Export Finance: Renewable Energy

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans she has to integrate UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) new facility to support clean energy into UKEF's existing energy portfolio to ensure that UKEF energy support is aligned with meeting the Paris Agreement commitment to keep global warming below 1.5˚C.

Graham Stuart: UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) new Direct Lending Facility for clean growth which was announced at the Budget in March will support overseas borrowers to help them finance the purchase of capital goods and/or services from UK exporters and suppliers to support clean growth projects internationally. The eligibility criteria for this new facility are currently being developed but the facility will contribute to supporting overseas countries in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, through renewable, low carbon and green growth solutions. It will complement UKEF’s competitive product range to help ensure no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, while operating at no net-cost to the taxpayer. In line with all its export credit support, and UK’s international commitments, UKEF will where applicable, conduct environmental, social and human rights due diligence of projects it is asked to support. This applies equally to its existing and new Direct Lending facilities.

UK Export Finance: Mozambique

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the timeframe is for UK Export Finance to make a decision on whether to support the Category A Mozambique LNG project; and what (a) criteria and (b) methodology UK Export Finance will use to assess the potential direct and indirect (i) social, (ii) local environmental, (iii) climate risks (lifecycle emissions) and (iv) security risks associated with that project.

Graham Stuart: There is no set decision timeline for the Mozambique LNG project. UK Export Finance (UKEF), along with other finance parties, will assess timings at each relevant stage of the development of a transaction. UKEF is committed to high standards of environmental, social and human rights (ESHR) risk management. It rigorously follows the requirements of the OECD Common Approaches and Equator Principles, which set the framework for managing such risks for export credit agencies and international financial institutions. It has a specialist ESHR team that reviews relevant projects prior to UKEF taking a decision. Supported projects are then monitored by the ESHR team throughout the lifetime of UKEF’s support to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Liquified Natural Gas: Mozambique

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the UK Export Finance Notice of 20 August 2019 on Category A project under consideration: Mozambique LNG project, what assessment the Government has made of (a) that project’s lifetime greenhouse gas emissions and (b) the extent to which UK Government support for that project aligns with the UK’s net zero emissions commitment.

Graham Stuart: The Government has published a Category A notice which includes a summary providing an overview of an Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment of the Mozambique LNG project. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/category-a-project-under-consideration-mozambique-lng-project/category-a-project-under-consideration-mozambique-lng-project UK Export Finance is in the process of undertaking its due diligence of the project including environmental, social and human rights matters. Individual overseas governments who are signatories to the Paris Agreement make their own decisions as to how they will reduce their national greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Government is committed to working with countries across the world to support their transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Small Businesses: Government Assistance

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness of the Brexit voucher schemes in (i) Ireland and (ii) the Netherlands and (b) the potential merits of introducing a similar scheme in the UK to support SMEs with their trade with European partners after the UK leaves the EU.

Graham Stuart: As part of work on a new Export Strategy we are examining the range of existing UK export promotion schemes and will consider the effectiveness of voucher schemes used elsewhere.

Dumping: Coronavirus

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on protecting the UK manufacturing industry from dumping practices during the covid-19 outbreak.

Greg Hands: My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has been working closely with the Prime Minister, Cabinet colleagues and her ministerial team throughout the Covid-19 crisis to ensure that disruption to the UK economy, industry and supply chains are kept to a minimum.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Local Government: Meetings

Mr Richard Holden: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of filming (a) council and (b) sub-council network group meetings to promote transparency.

Mr Simon Clarke: Whilst the Government attaches importance to local authority transparency which is promoted by the Local Government Transparency Code with core mandatory requirements, it has not assessed the potential merits of filming council meetings.The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020, which came into force on 4 April 2020, enable all local authority meetings before 7 May 2021 to be held remotely by such means as telephone conferencing, video conferencing, live webchat and live streaming, as a council considers appropriate.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government,  what steps they are taking to provide people experiencing homelessness with units to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak.

Luke Hall: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government has been working at pace with the GLA and a number of hotel chains across the country to secure accommodation for rough sleepers and we have now introduced a centrally coordinated booking process.The vast majority of rough sleepers known to local authorities have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic. This includes those rough sleeping or who have been living in accommodation with communal sleeping spaces such as night shelters.This response is backed by £3.2 billion of additional funding for local authorities to enable them to respond to other COVID-19 pressures, including stepping up support for the adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable, such as those who find themselves experiencing homelessness during this time. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those currently unable to self-isolate.This funding will assist local authorities with providing accommodation and support to vulnerable people who are at risk of, or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. We will continue to work closely with local authorities to help ensure that they have the resources they need to protect people who are currently, or at risk of, sleeping rough.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to ensure  that personal protective equipment is provided to people working in homelessness services during the covid-19 outbreak.

Luke Hall: We are working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to all those that need it, including those working in homelessness services.To ensure that those facing supply issues and conducting essential work receive the PPE they need, DHSC have set up a cross-government PPE board, that includes the Devolved Administrations, to prioritise requests for PPE. They are using a clinical framework based on the UK guidance to help make these prioritisation decisions and we are distributing this supply as quickly as possible.This guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control.The Government has arranged a priority drop of millions of items of PPE to Local Resilience Forums (LRFs): local partnerships that bring together the NHS, councils and the police to coordinate the emergency response locally and plug local gaps. The LRFs are prioritising delivery to key frontline workers according to local need.

Private Rented Housing: Students

Claire Hanna: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance he is providing to (a) landlords and (b) letting agencies who rent private accommodation to students who will move out of term-time accommodation due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: We have published guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19) which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities. Landlords or letting agencies who rent private accommodation to students must continue to comply with existing legislation including, in the case of some shared accommodation, specific Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing rules. (See here: https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence.)During this period, landlord, letting agency and tenant obligations have not changed and tenants remain liable for rent. Some universities and private accommodation providers have chosen to release students from their contracts early and not charge rent for students returning home. However, in the case of private landlords and letting agencies, the negotiation of rent waivers with student tenants is a matter between the parties concerned. We encourage landlords, letting agencies and tenants to adopt a pragmatic, common-sense approach to issues that may arise in the current circumstances.

Hate Crime: Coronavirus

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to (a) protect and (b) support people subject to (i) racial abuse and (ii) other hate crimes as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Luke Hall: The Government takes hate crime and discrimination of any kind very seriously. We are a tolerant and welcoming multicultural society and we have one of the strongest legal frameworks in the world to report, record and prosecute hate crime. I would encourage anyone who experiences hate crime to report it to the police.   Government’s Hate Crime Action Plan published in October 2018 sets out a comprehensive programme of work across Government and the police. We fund hate crime reporting platforms, including True Vision, and we continue to engage with communities of all backgrounds and local leaders including councils and the police to make sure we are aware of any concerns communities may have and can provide targeted support.

Antisemitism

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reasons his Department has not brought forward legislative proposals to make Holocaust denial a criminal offence.

Luke Hall: The Government deplores attempts to deny the Holocaust, including those views expressed in a pseudo-intellectual manner. We understand why some European countries, because of their particular histories, have expressly legislated against Holocaust denial, but successive governments have taken the view that criminalising Holocaust denial in the UK would represent an unnecessary infringement of freedom of expression. It is of course the case that if Holocaust denial is expressed in a way that is threatening, abusive, or insulting and incites racial hatred, or is likely to do so, then that would be unlawful under the Public Order Act 1986.

Empty Property: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requisitioning control of empty homes and flats during the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: Local authorities are equipped with a range of powers and strong incentives to tackle empty homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, they earn the same financial reward for bringing an empty home back into use as for building a new one. In certain circumstances, local authorities can already apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) to temporarily take over the management of a property that has been empty for more than two years and bring it back into use.Local authorities have a variety of compulsory purchase powers which they can use to acquire and develop derelict or empty property, including for housing purposes. Compulsory purchase is intended for use as a last resort and there must always be a compelling case in the public interest.

Private Rented Housing: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with sales and lettings agents on the use of private properties by local authorities at no cost to the public purse in the event that additional capacity is required to house (a) NHS staff, and (b) families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness during the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: MHCLG continues to work closely with local authorities to manage the impacts of covid-19 on homeless households and the most vulnerable in our society.MHCLG officials are in regular contact with estate agency representatives and the voluntary and community sector, including local homelessness services.Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation for households owed the main housing duty in the first instance until suitable long-term accommodation can be offered to them. Temporary accommodation is an important way of ensuring no family is without a roof over their head.

Temporary Accommodation: Coronavirus

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2020 to Question 29886, on Temporary Accommodation: Coronavirus, what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2020 to Question 29886, on Temporary Accommodation: Coronavirus, what guidance his Department has issued to visitors that do not have access to accommodation (a) that they had arranged for themselves upon arrival or (b) for other reasons.

Luke Hall: Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide accommodation for households that are homeless and defined as being in priority need, unintentionally homeless and eligible for assistance. They are obliged to secure temporary accommodation for the household in the first instance until suitable long-term accommodation can be secured. Housing authorities must ensure the accommodation is suitable for the applicant and their household until the duty ends.The Government is clear that if an individual is experiencing the symptoms of coronavirus – a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, the current guidance is to self-isolate for 7 days from when their symptoms started. If the individual is not living alone, the whole household must also self-isolate for 14 days. People should not be travelling during this time unless they have an essential reason.This guidance is being constantly reviewed as the situation changes. Please see here for the updated guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Planning Permission: Judicial Review

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the reduction in the time limit for bringing a judicial review in planning cases to six weeks implemented by the Government on 1 July 2013, how many judicial reviews of planning decisions were successfully brought (a) prior to and (b) after the reduction of the time limit in each year since 2013.

Christopher Pincher: The Department does not collect or hold statistics on this basis.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he plans to take after the lockdown has ended to help resettle people that became homeless during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Luke Hall: The Government has now announced £3.2 billion for local authorities to deal with emerging pressures as a result of COVID-19, including for housing and homelessness services. This is on top of the £492 million provided to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in 2020/21.We have also introduced a package of measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). With these in force, must give all renters 3 months’ notice if they intend to seek possession.Further, the Chancellor recently announced that for 2020/21, we will increase the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that they are set at the 30th percentile of local rents. This will mean that many people renting in the Private Rented Sector see an increase in their housing support from April 2020, providing extra security during these uncertain times. The average claimant will gain an additional £600 per year in increased housing support.The Homelessness Reduction Act, the most ambitious reform to homelessness legislation in decades, came into force on 3 April 2018. The Act requires local authorities and other public bodies to work together to actively prevent homelessness for people at risk. This is backed by the £63 million Homelessness Reduction Grant in 2020/21 which provides an uplift on previous years’ new burdens funding to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act and will enable local authorities to do more to prevent and relieve homelessness in their areas.

District Councils: Finance

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will hold discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on allocating additional financial support to district councils to compensate those councils for increased expenditure and lower receipts as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Simon Clarke: On 18 April the Government announced an additional £1.6 billion of funding to support councils in England in delivering essential front line services, bringing the total amount given to councils to help them through the pandemic to over £3.2 billion. The package demonstrates the Government’s commitment to making sure councils, including district councils, have the resources they need to support their communities through this challenging time.We are using data collection and our conversations with councils to refine our assessment of costs, and allocations to individual local authorities will follow as soon as practicable.

Temporary Accommodation: Children

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of children in temporary accommodation in the last three years.

Luke Hall: Local authorities seek to place families into settled accommodation at the soonest possible opportunity. However, where this is not possible, temporary accommodation plays an important role in ensuring that no child is ever without a roof over their head, and this is particularly important when we are dealing with the impacts of Covid-19.Reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation has been a priority for this Government and, a result, the numbers of households in temporary accommodation, 87,410 (as of September 2019), remains below the September 2004 peak, when they hit 101,300. The number of children living in temporary accommodation is down from its peak in June 2006 at 134,470, with 127,890 in September 2019.The Chancellor recently announced that for 2020/21, we will increase the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that they are set at the 30th percentile of local rents. This will mean that many people renting in the Private Rented Sector see an increase in their housing support from April 2020, providing extra security during these uncertain times. The average claimant will gain an additional £600 per year in increased housing support.The Homelessness Reduction Act, the most ambitious reform to homelessness legislation in decades, came into force on 3 April 2018. The Act requires local authorities and other public bodies to work together to actively prevent homelessness for people at risk. This is backed by the £63 million Homelessness Reduction Grant in 2020/21 which provides an uplift on previous years’ new burdens funding to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act and will enable local authorities to do more to prevent and relieve homelessness in their areas.

Retail Trade: Non-domestic Rates

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes to business rates on high street activity; and if he will further review eligibility for non-residential business rate relief.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Government recognises the challenges being faced by our high streets, and in response announced the retail discount at Budget 2018, and provided eligible retailers with a third off their bills from April 2019. In addition, the Government has also announced a £1 billion Future High Streets Fund, part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund, to re-energise local economies.In an exceptional response to the coronavirus, the Government has increased the retail discount to 100 per cent and expanded it to include hospitality and leisure properties, such as museums, theatres, gyms and hotels.

Local Government Finance: Coronavirus

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what formula the Government used to determine the additional funding for local authorities during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Government recognises the impacts that Covid-19 is having on the sector’s finances and capacity. That is why, on 18 April, we announced a further £1.6 billion to support councils in delivering essential front line services. This funding recognises the additional costs and pressures which councils are facing as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.This package of support takes the total given to councils to help their communities through this crisis to over £3.2 billion, an unprecedented level of additional financial support in recent times. It means councils will be able to continue to support the most vulnerable people during the pandemic, deal with immediate pressures and provide additional support across a range of vital services.We recognise that this continues to be an uncertain picture and we are working closely with local government and the LGA to ensure we have a collective understanding of the costs they are facing. Allocations to individual local authorities will follow as soon as practicable.

Local Government Finance: Coronavirus

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment the Government has made of the effect of covid-19 on the adequacy of local authority finances.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Government announced a further £1.6 billion to support councils in delivering essential front line services, on 18 April. This funding recognises the additional costs and pressures which councils are facing as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.This package of support takes the total given to councils to help their communities through this crisis to over £3.2 billion, an unprecedented level of additional financial support in recent times. It means councils will be able to continue to support the most vulnerable people during the pandemic, deal with immediate pressures and provide additional support across a range of vital services.

Local Government Finance: Coronavirus

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with local authority leaders in England on the funding that local authorities require to respond to the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Local Government Secretary has been working with local authorities and their leaders to understand the challenges and pressures experienced by councils from the Covid-19 outbreak. Local government is an essential part of our response to Covid-19 and the funding package of a further £1.6 billion, announced on 18 April, recognises the additional costs and pressures on finances that councils are facing as a result of the current crisis. It is in addition to the £1.6 billion of additional funding announced for councils in March.

Small Business Grants Fund

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when local authorities sent letters to businesses informing them how to apply for the Small Business Grants Fund, listed by each local authority; how many businesses eligible for that fund are in each local authority area; how many businesses responded to those letters with payment details by 17 April 2020; and how many businesses each local authority had paid a grant to by 21 April 2020.

Mr Simon Clarke: Government has made £12.3 billion available under the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. The funding is being delivered by local authorities and Government is working closely with them to ensure grant payments are made to businesses as soon as possible, whilst safeguarding public funds. Local authorities are contacting businesses directly to deliver these grants. We have encouraged businesses who believe they are eligible for a grant to check the arrangements in their area on their local authority website if they have yet to be contacted, and to contact their local authority where relevant.As of 20 April, over 480,000 business premises have received grants, totalling over £6 billion. Please see a full breakdown of grant funding allocated to and distributed by each local authority here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-grant-funding-local-authority-payments-to-small-and-medium-businesses

Rented Housing: Coronavirus

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to ensure that tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of covid-19 related financial losses cannot be evicted immediately after the current protections from eviction are lifted.

Christopher Pincher: The Government, along with the courts service, has delivered unprecedented support to reduce the risk of rent arrears and has taken legislative and procedural steps to protect tenants.We have also been clear in guidance that there is a need for landlords to offer support and understanding to tenants – and any guarantor – who may see their income fluctuate. This could include reaching a temporary agreement not to seek possession action for a period of time and instead, pause payments or accept a lower level of rent, or agree a plan to pay off arrears at a later date.To support this, the Secretary of State for Housing has committed work with the Master of the Rolls to explore how the existing Pre-Action Protocol for possession claims by social landlords can be strengthened and widened to include Private Landlords.

Local Government Finance: Coronavirus

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to publish a comprehensive summary of the financial support the Government is making available to local authorities for the duration of 2020 in response to the increased costs local authorities will incur as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke: On 18 April the Government announced a further £1.6 billion to support councils in delivering essential front line services. This funding recognises the additional costs and pressures which councils are facing as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic.This package of support takes the total given to councils to help their communities through this crisis to over £3.2 billion, an unprecedented level of additional financial support in recent times.  Earlier this week the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government wrote to council leaders in England with a full summary of the significant funding and cashflow measures that the Government have announced to support local authorities in their vital work with businesses, communities and vulnerable individuals in the fight against coronavirus.  A full record of the financial support made available to local authorities can be found at gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-local-government.

Ministry of Defence

Combined Cadet Force

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to encourage more Combined Cadet Forces in academy and local authority schools.

James Heappey: As a result of the Cadet Expansion Programme – a joint Ministry of Defence and Department for Education initiative – we now have over 500 cadet units in schools, almost two thirds of which are in academies and local authority schools. The priority for the programme, originally launched in 2012, has been to focus on state schools in areas of high deprivation and the majority of school cadet units are now in the state sector. There is now a further ambition within the programme to increase the number of cadets across all school cadet units to 60,000 by 2024. Being in the cadets equips young people with unique skills and experiences which can help them in day to day life. Cadets are taught transferrable skills that can help with future aspirations and long-term career goals, such as relationship building, problem-solving and teamwork.

Defence Equipment: Expenditure

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the in-year expenditure on each of the key programmes referenced on (a) page 40 of the 2016 Defence Equipment Plan and (b) page 45 of the 2017 Defence Equipment Plan.

Jeremy Quin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the then Minister for Defence Procurement (Stuart Andrew) gave on 22 January 2019 to Question 208229 to the then Member for Bridgend (Madeline Moon) for spending in 2017-18. I will write to you in due course with the data requested on the Equipment Plan 2016.



Defence Equipment: Finance
(Word Document, 17.73 KB)

Ministry of Defence: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of officials in his Department continuing to work on (a) the transmission of covid-19 and (b) the wellbeing of those officials.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria are used to determine whether officials in his Department should continue to work during the covid-19 outbreak.

James Heappey: The safety and welfare of our Whole Force remains paramount. Defence must remain trained and ready to support the national effort in combating COVID-19 and to continue protecting the nation and preserve national security. In line with Government advice, staff are encouraged to work from home where they can do so. Where movement or training is necessary, such activity will be conducted in line with PHE guidance as far as practicable and individuals will have appropriate protection. Individuals are encouraged and supported to maintain a healthy mind and body during this period, which may involve adapting their usual activities to ensure national guidance is followed. Key Defence personnel with coronavirus-like symptoms are now eligible for inclusion in the national testing programme. Any individual who experiences symptoms will self-isolate in accordance with PHE guidelines.

Veterans: Pensions

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the efficacy of the military pension and the interaction of that pension with other state benefits in the provision of financial support to veterans on low incomes.

Johnny Mercer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a good working relationship with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), ensuring there is effective and efficient interaction between benefits; there is no evidence that veterans are disadvantaged by current arrangements. The MOD took over administration of the War Pension Scheme (WPS) from DWP in 2000; it is currently delivered by Veterans UK (part of Defence Business Services). The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides recompense for Service-related injuries sustained since 2005; in 2013 this introduced the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) in conjunction with the DWP. It simplifies financial support for seriously injured Service Personnel, providing payments equivalent to DWP’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Those entitled to a Guaranteed Income Payment of 50 per cent or higher through the AFCS are eligible for AFIP but cannot simultaneously receive PIP. Those receiving payments from WPS or the AFCS face no reduction to their Universal Credit.

RAF Valley

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many overseas student pilots are being trained at RAF Valley as at 21 April 2020.

James Heappey: There are currently four overseas students receiving flying training at RAF Valley.

RAF Valley

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether training flights have been conducted from RAF Valley since 23 March 2020.

James Heappey: Yes. Following the Prime Minister's announcement on 23 March there was a short pause in flying training to assess the impact of COVID-19. Essential flying training at RAF Valley on the Hawk aircraft recommenced on 31 March and on the Texan aircraft on 14 April. The delivery of all training will remain under constant review as the situation changes.

Army: Heavy Goods Vehicles

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the use of army heavy goods vehicles to transport essential medical equipment across the UK.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence continues to work across Government, including with the Department for Health and Social Care, to ensure that Defence is prepared to provide support to other Government Departments, civil authorities and devolved partners where requested and appropriate to do so.Currently there are two Immediate Replenishment Groups, based in Aldershot and Salford, who can be tasked by the 'National Supply Disruption Response' crisis hotline, and are on three hours notice to move. These are comprised of 27 military vehicles and 66 military personnel. Other logistic assets are being held at varying states of readiness, which include approximately 139 vehicles and 518 personnel. In most circumstances, commercial options will be the most appropriate. Of course, the military stand by whenever required.

Military Aid: Northern Ireland

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) requests have been made to his Department from Northern Ireland; and how many have been approved.

James Heappey: Defence has received four Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) requests from Northern Ireland for support during the COVID-19 outbreak. Three were approved and one was not undertaken because a commercial alternative was identified.

HMS Queen Elizabeth: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many tests for covid-19 have been carried out on the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that social distancing measures are complied with on board HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to prevent the transmission of covid-19 on board HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contingency plans are in place to tackle an outbreak of covid-19 on board HMS Queen Elizabeth while that vessel is on exercise.

James Heappey: The whole of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH's ship's company will be tested for COVID-19 prior to her departure for a period of Operational Sea Training.The Royal Navy is well prepared to respond to COVID-19 and has well-rehearsed plans in place for dealing with health matters.Public Health England (PHE) guidelines on social distancing will be followed by the ship's company where practical. It is acknowledged that it is difficult to socially distance within a warship, and there will be a number of essential operational and training tasks where this will not be possible.To reduce the risk of transmission, further emphasis is being placed on the cleaning of communal areas and personal hygiene. In addition, members of the ship's company who are, or whose households are, symptomatic will be isolated before embarking, in accordance with PHE self-isolation guidelines.QUEEN ELIZABETH will sail with a medical facility including a full complement of medical staff and doctors. Any individual who experiences symptoms will be isolated onboard in accordance with PHE guidelines and receive the appropriate medical attention.

Department for Work and Pensions

Independent Case Examiner

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, further to her Answer of 14 January 2020 to Question 1734 on the Independent Case Examiner, what the average length of time taken was to (a) commence and (b) complete an investigation into a complaint against her Department in (i) July to September 2019 and (ii) October to December 2019.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 24 February 2020



The information requested is provided in the table below. In order to provide some context, we have included details of the number of complaints received and accepted for examination by the Independent Case Examiner’s Office in the last two full reporting years. We want to make sure people can get the support they are entitled to if they have been treated unfairly and are hiring and training new staff as quickly as we can, clearing more complaints last year than in 2017/18. The cases that reach the Independent Case Examiner are the most complex and investigations will not be compromised in order to be completed within certain timescales. We keep people updated about the timings involved with their case and the vast majority of complainants are satisfied with the service they receive. Year (April to March)Complaints receivedComplaints accepted for examination2017/185,8852,7842018/194,8241,299 PeriodAverage time taken to commence an investigation (from date complaint accepted for examination)Average time taken to complete an investigation (from date case allocated to an investigation case manager)July - September 201957 weeks20 weeksOctober - December 201961 weeks21 weeks

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to (a) lift all sanctions and deductions from people’s awards if they are self-isolating and (b) provide people who are sanctioned and self-isolating with automatic immediate access to a hardship payment.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 23 March 2020



We have no plans to remove sanctions or deductions incurred before the COVID-19 outbreak for those self-isolating. Deductions are already capped at 30% to not overburden the claimant. Should we suspend deductions there is a risk that some claimants will be unable to pay their outstanding arrears from Third Party’s, potentially resulting in eviction or a loss of services. If a claimant is in financial hardship, hardship payments are already available on request, for those who are sanctioned, to ensure they have the ability to pay for basic necessities. We currently have no plans to make these payments automatic. A hardship payment can be applied for immediately after a claimant has an award reduced due to a sanction and the payment is issued as quickly as possible. Given the rapidly evolving situation and complexity of the business, we will continue to keep our approach under review and update guidance when necessary.

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that the benefits system is able to manage the growth in demand due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: Since 16th March, the Department has received over 1.2m claims for Universal Credit. This is an unprecedented level of demand for our services, however, we have every confidence that the Department can meet this challenge. Our priority as a Department remains that we ensure people get their benefit payments and that we can continue to support those who need our support the most. We are continuing to redeploy 10,000 staff from other parts of DWP to frontline services and are also recruiting additional staff to assist with the processing of claims, including support from other government departments.We have also introduced new processes to ease pressure on waiting times for identity verification over the phone and other processes, and people making new claims for Universal Credit now no longer need to call the Department as part of the process.

Employment: Disease Control

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of setting up an enforcement telephone line for employees to report employers that are not following social distancing guidance relating to covid-19.

Mims Davies: Employees with concerns about social distancing measures in their workplace can contact the Health and Safety Executive Concerns and Advice Team by completing an on-line form accessible on the HSE website https://www.hse.gov.uk/ or by calling the team on 0300 003 1647. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm (on Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm). HSE encourages workers to try to resolve workplace concerns through local discussions before contacting the enforcement body where possible.

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to (a) cancel or (b) suspend all pre-existing benefits sanctions during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Migrant Workers: Coronavirus

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support her Department is providing to non-EEA nationals who (a) are working reduced hours and (b) have lost their jobs due to the covid-19 outbreak and are unable to claim universal credit.

Justin Tomlinson: Those unable to access DWP income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, may be eligible to access DWP contributions-based benefits such as New style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), providing they meet eligibility criteria. The Chancellor has announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment. Employers can put workers on temporary leave and the government will pay them cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, providing they keep the worker employed. The Chancellor has also confirmed that, depending on their status, workers on zero hour contracts may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and we would urge people to explore this avenue too.

Maternity Pay

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that pregnant women that have been furloughed and are receiving 80 per cent of their normal pay are not disadvantaged in qualifying for Statutory Maternity Pay because of a reduction in their earnings.

Mr Nicholas Brown: The Government is committed to making sure that all employees are supported at this time. We are currently considering how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme interacts with existing employment rights to family-related payments, including Statutory Maternity Pay, to ensure that the scheme works for parents.

Maternity Allowance and Maternity Pay

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people started receiving (a) statutory maternity pay and (b) maternity allowance in each quarter since April 2016.

Mims Davies: DWP does not hold information on the number of people who started receiving Statutory Maternity Pay in each quarter. The latest annual estimate is that around 360,000 women commenced Statutory Maternity Payments in 2018/2019. Information on the number of Maternity Allowance claims commencing in each quarter is published and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/maternity-allowance-quarterly-statistics

Jobseeker's Allowance: Coronavirus

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Government's announcement of 20 March 2020 that the rate of universal credit standard allowance will be increased in response to the covid-19 outbreak, whether the Government plans to increase the rate of jobseeker's allowance.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she plans to take to ensure that (a) disabled and (b) seriously unwell people with experience of the employment support allowance and personal independence payment assessment processes are consulted as part of the forthcoming green paper on health and disability support.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department will be bringing forward a Green Paper on health and disability support focusing on how the welfare system can better meet the needs of claimants with disabilities and health conditions, now and in the future.As part of this wider work, we have been working closely with external stakeholders to inform our approach to reform the Work Capability Assessment. This engagement has included several events with service users to hear directly from individuals with experience of the assessment process, to better understand the issues with the current system as well as gathering their views on what a future assessment could look like. We plan to continue this valuable engagement to develop options for a reformed assessment.Once published, during the Green Paper consultation period, we would welcome responses on how we improve the system from anyone with experiences of DWP services and we will be exploring ways to ensure disabled people can participate in consultation events.

Social Security Benefits

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) employment support allowance, (b) personal independence payment and (c) disability living allowance claimants had a request for mandatory reconsideration of her Department’s initial decision outstanding on 31 March 2020.

Justin Tomlinson: The specific information requested on outstanding Mandatory Reconsiderations (MRs) against initial decisions on an Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance claim is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Statutory Sick Pay

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to publish a response to her Department’s consultation on statutory sick pay.

Justin Tomlinson: We plan to publish the response to the consultation ‘Health is everyone’s business: proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss’ later this year. The consultation set out proposals to encourage all employers to take positive action to support employees who are managing health conditions in work, and to manage sickness absence more effectively.

Department for Work and Pensions: Written Questions

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to Question 30815 of 17 March 2020 from the hon. Member for Edinburgh East.

Will Quince: Students who do not ordinarily have entitlement to Universal Credit (UC) and who receive a maintenance loan or grant through the student finance system, will continue to be able to draw upon this financial support until the end of this academic year.Those who do not receive student finance and who would ordinarily not have entitlement to UC, such as those undertaking a part-time course which would otherwise not be considered as compatible with the requirements for them to look for and be available for work, will have entitlement to UC. We have disapplied UC and both legacy and new style JSA work preparation, work search and availability requirements and related sanctions. This will initially be for a three-month period. After three months, consideration will be given as to whether a further extension is required.

Social Security Benefits

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the benefit cap in line with increases in universal credit to ensure additional support is available for families.

Mims Davies: The Benefit Cap restores fairness between those receiving out-of-work benefits and taxpayers in employment.The Government has quickly and effectively introduced £6.5bn of measures that benefit those facing the most severe financial disruption. DWP is experiencing significant increased demand as such the safety and stability of the benefits system must be prioritised.Claimants can approach their Local Authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment if they need additional help to meet rental costs.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Dogs: Coronavirus

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) kennels and (b) dog walking businesses are able to operate outdoors under the guidance on covid-19 announced on 23 March 2020.

Victoria Prentis: The Government’s message to the public is clear: stay at home, in order to protect the NHS and save lives. To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. A full list of those businesses required to close, and exemptions, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#businesses-and-premises-that-must-remain-closed Kennels and dog walking businesses are not explicitly referred to as businesses that are required to close. Indeed, kennels and dog walking businesses play a key role in ensuring the welfare of the nation’s pets and can operate within the strict advice on social distancing and hygiene. The Canine and Feline Sector Group, which advises both the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England and Defra Ministers, has issued its own guidance to pet businesses on how they can continue to operate under current restrictions and in line with guidance around social distancing and hygiene.http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/SiteAssets/SitePages/Home/CFSG%20Animal%20Business%20Guidance%2007.04.20.pdf

OSPAR Convention

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on the UKs continued participation in the OSPAR Convention.

Victoria Prentis: The UK Government will continue to support the valuable work of the OSPAR Convention and to play a leading role in its programmes for protecting the North East Atlantic Ocean. As we leave the EU it will provide an important opportunity for us to collaborate and coordinate our work on protecting the marine environment with those countries that neighbour our seas.

Gas Fired Power Stations: Noise

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the potential effect on levels of noise pollution of Environment Agency proposals to allow an increase in operating hours for gas peaking plants from 1,500 to 3,500 hours per year.

Rebecca Pow: At this time, no decision has been made to amend guidance on operating hours for gas peaking plants. The Environment Agency consider noise impacts in individual environmental permit applications and will consider noise assessments for gas peaking plants based upon the operating hours agreed within the permit.

Roads: Environment

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the term Other structures used in clause 41(c) of the Environment Bill 2020 includes roads.

Rebecca Pow: Clause 41(c) excludes ‘Buildings and other structures’ from the definition of the ‘natural environment’ in the Bill. However, individual types of buildings and structures are not specified on the face of the Bill. It will be for the Secretary of State and the Office for Environmental Protection to interpret this definition for the purposes of implementing Chapters 1 and 2 of the Bill respectively, based on the details of the specific issue before them and the clause which they are implementing through any particular decision. If a dispute arises about the interpretation of these provisions, the courts may ultimately provide a judgment on the matter.

Zoos: Coronavirus

Selaine Saxby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the welfare of animals in zoos is safeguarded during the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Prentis: We recognise that zoos are undertaking very valuable work at this time to ensure that the health and welfare needs of the diverse range of animals they care for are well met. We are aware of the issues currently facing zoos and we have been engaging with the main industry association, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), and with individual zoos about the best way forward.The Government has provided a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support businesses, including zoos, through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. Zoos are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000.In addition, specifically for zoos in severe financial distress, the Government is introducing a Zoos Support Fund for licensed zoos in England. Similar support will be provided by the Devolved Administrations. Where a zoo in England is in severe financial distress and has fully explored and exhausted all other reasonable avenues to generate income and reduce costs, including the existing COVID-19 business support schemes, then they should approach Defra as quickly as possible. Defra has already written to all licensed zoos in England to make them aware of the COVID-19 support schemes available as well as the new Zoo Support Fund.

Cats and Dogs: Meat

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the statement by officials in Shenzhen, China, on the reasons for a proposed ban on the human consumption of dog and cat meat in their city.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to  bring forward legislative proposals to ban the human consumption of dogs and cats in the UK.

Victoria Prentis: The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare, including the welfare of dogs and cats, and we are committed to making the UK a world leader in protection of animals now we have left the EU. The Government is appalled by the prospect of dogs and cats being consumed. However, it is already illegal to sell dog and cat meat for human consumption and the Government has seen no evidence that dog and cat meat is being sold or consumed in this country. We are confident that the current position in this country sends a clear message that the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats will never be acceptable. Indeed, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office raises concerns about the welfare of animals with other Governments and international authorities at every suitable opportunity and we are pleased to hear that authorities in China are proposing to ban the consumption of cat and dog meat.

Horticulture and Recreation Spaces: Coronavirus

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,  what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the benefits to mental health of access to green spaces during the lockdown due to the covid-19 outbreak; what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of reopening garden centres; and if he will make it his policy to allow (a) garden centres and (b) private gardens to admit members of the public subject to the strict maintenance of social distancing requirements.

Victoria Prentis: The Secretary of State regularly discusses a range of issues with Cabinet colleagues including the Health Secretary and, as set out in the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan published in January 2018, is aware of the benefits of connecting people to the natural environment for both mental and physical health and wellbeing. As this is the International Year of Plant Health, we have been promoting the benefits of our plants in all settings and are planning a National Plant Health Week in September. The benefits of being outside are noted in the Government guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19). You will be aware of the announcement the Communities Secretary made on 18 April with regard to ensuring public parks stay open. The Government is keeping the situation on garden centres under review, but concluded last week that it was too early to ease any restrictions on such retail environments. Social distance requirements will continue to be considered in accordance with this review. We will continue to work closely with the representatives from the horticulture supply chain to understand what short-term and long-term support the sector needs and how we might be able to support them. We are ready to respond to emerging issues quickly and effectively.

Supermarkets: Visual Impairment

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure people who are blind or partially sighted are able to access essential groceries.

Victoria Prentis: The Government is working to ensure that approximately 1.8 million people in England identified by the NHS as being at higher risk of severe illness if they contract Coronavirus have access to the food they need. We are also working quickly to support people who do not fall into the category of being clinically extremely vulnerable, but still need help getting essential food supplies. This group includes blind or partially sighted people who may struggle to comply with social distancing in food shops as they often rely on a combination of touch and guiding from another person to navigate. Defra has been working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Local Government Association and local authority chief executives who are leading on vulnerable people to ensure that all local authorities can provide the necessary support to all food-vulnerable people. The vast majority of local authorities have dedicated COVID-19 helplines and accessible resources for people who need support and help to access food. Local authorities are establishing networks of local volunteers and linking in with the voluntary and community sector to deliver groceries to people who do not have friends, family or neighbours who can shop for them. Supermarkets have been working at pace to expand the total number of delivery and click and collect slots and we are working with major retailers to ensure that they prioritise delivery slots for those who are most vulnerable and at risk, including the blind or partially sighted.

Members Estimate Committee

Representative Money

Scott Benton: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the Members Estimate Committee, what estimate the Committee has made of the cost to the public purse of providing Representative Money for party political purposes to hon. Members who do not take their seats in Parliament.

Pete Wishart: The Representative Money scheduled to be paid following the General Election on 12 December 2019 to the end of the current financial year (31 March 2020) will be published in due course on the pages below, as will amounts relating to subsequent financial years.Since 2016–17 it has been a requirement to publish the amounts paid for the financial year and these can be found on the Parliament website via the following link:https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/foi/transparency-publications/hoc-transparency-publications/financial-information/financial-assistance-to-opposition-parties/Budget allocations for Representative Money since 2005–06 are published in Appendix 4 of the following document:https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN01663

Cabinet Office

Chickenpox: Death

Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have died as a result of chickenpox in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each of last five years.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response
(PDF Document, 73.35 KB)

Security Guards: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans his Department has to add security officers responsible for ensuring the safety of buildings and their contents to the list of key workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the Government will classify private security workers as key workers during the covid-19 outbreak.

Penny Mordaunt: Our message to the British public is clear: stay at home, in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The position remains, as outlined on gov.uk, that everyone who can work from home should do so.Where that is not possible, people should go into work where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, isolating or shielding. Relevant guidance including from Public Health England should be followed.In terms of the provision of education for the children of certain key workers, it is already the case that security officers and private security workers working in, for example, hospitals and social care could be eligible as long as "their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service". This is set out here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provisionThe Government has placed restrictions on the operations of certain businesses as part of the strategy to ensure people stay at home and away from others. Separate guidance has been published on this and is also available on gov.uk.

Protective Clothing: Procurement

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what date Lord Agnew assumed responsibility for the procurement and supply chain of personal protective equipment.

Penny Mordaunt: Ministers in the Department for Health and Social Care have overall responsibility for PPE supply. However, other ministers and officials from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Cabinet Office, the Department for International Trade, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are closely involved in many aspects of the work. The Cabinet Office involvement includes providing a web portal for businesses offering medical and non-medical support and seconding commercial staff to support the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS officials carrying out procurement.

Coronavirus: Homelessness

Catherine West: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of deaths due to covid-19 have been among homeless people; and how that death rate compares with death rates for the same period of time in previous years.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response 
(PDF Document, 82.16 KB)

Newspaper Press: Coronavirus

Christian Matheson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which (a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers were selected to publish the Government's messages on covid-19 in April 2020.

Christian Matheson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria were used to select the (a) national and (b) regional or local newspapers that carried Government's coronavirus crisis advertising wraparound in April 2020.

Chloe Smith: The Government has developed a strong national campaign to provide information and reassurance to the public about COVID-19. As part of this, we have utilised advertising in over 600 national, regional and local titles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, reaching 49 million people a month.As with any media planning approach, titles are selected on their ability to engage with audiences at a national, regional and local level.

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner: Elections

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the timescale is for holding elections for the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Chloe Smith: The Government has postponed this poll for 12 months as part of the Coronavirus Act which is the same for all local, mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections scheduled for 7 May. This decision was taken following advice from the Government’s medical experts in relation to the response to the Covid-19 virus and those delivering elections.Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales, including for the Cambridgeshire police force area, will now take place on the next ordinary day of elections on 6 May 2021.

Civil Service: Coronavirus

John Lamont: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to support the civil service to work securely and safely at home during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chloe Smith: Where possible civil servants are working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. Departments have been issued with working from home guidance as well as a practical working from home toolkit. This includes information on the safe and secure use of technology and data as well as advice on wellbeing, mental health and staying connected. Departments are creating their own guidance packages specific to their employees and are encouraging employees, their line managers and teams to have regular conversations during this period.

County Councils: Elections

Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether EU nationals will be eligible to stand as candidates in the county council elections scheduled for May 2021.

Chloe Smith: Further to the response given to PQ 1802 on 29 January 2020, there has been no change to the rights of EU citizens resident in the UK to stand and vote in local elections. The Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are responsible for their own franchises.

Babies and Children: Coronavirus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which member of the Cabinet has responsibility for representing the needs of babies and young children in discussions on the response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Chloe Smith: This issue cuts across multiple departmental responsibilities, as is the case for many complex concerns, and therefore engages various Ministers including in DfE, DHSC and DWP.Details of Ministerial responsibilities can be found on GOV.UK.

Treasury

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Fraud

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what processes are in place to prevent abuse of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; and how people can report cases of abuse of that scheme.

Jesse Norman: In line with the other payment-out regimes they administer, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will undertake pre-payment authentication and risking to identify and block fraudulent claims.HMRC will also carry out proportionate risk-based, post-payment compliance checks to test the veracity of claims made using the normal compliance tools available to them. Fraudulent abuse of the scheme can be reported through HMRC’s online tax evasion reporting form, details of which can be found on GOV.UK.

Offshore Industry: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that contractors in the offshore oil and gas industry receive support payments to cover income lost as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Government has put in place an unprecedented range of measures to support those whose incomes have fallen as a result of Covid-19. Depending on their circumstances, contractors in the oil and gas industry may be eligible for one or more of the Government's support packages. These include (but are not limited to) the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, VAT deferrals, or the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19.

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) increasing and (b) making additional Equitable Life compensation payments people who made losses as policyholders with that company.

John Glen: There are no plans to reopen the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. The Equitable Life Payment Scheme closed to claims in 2015 and further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme.

Business: Insurance

Martyn Day: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the insurance industry on the provision of compensation for businesses whose business interruption insurance does not cover the covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen: The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation. For those businesses which have an appropriate policy that covers government ordered closure and unspecified notifiable diseases, the Government’s social distancing instructions are sufficient to allow businesses to make a claim against their insurance, provided the other terms and conditions in their policy are met. The FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. However, most businesses have not purchased insurance that covers losses from COVID-19. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers. The Government recognises that businesses who do not have appropriate insurance cover will require support from elsewhere. As such, businesses should explore the full package of support set out by the Chancellor in recent weeks which includes measures such as business rates holidays, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and wage support.

Zero Hours Contracts: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that all employees on zero-hours contracts receive 80 percent of their normal salary while they are unable to work during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Government is seeking to protect, as far as possible, people’s jobs and incomes. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to individuals on any contract type who were on an employer’s PAYE payroll on 19 March 2020, including zero-hour contract workers. Full details on eligibility and how the grant is calculated for individuals with variable pay can be found in the guidance available at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Agency Workers and Zero Hours Contracts: Coronavirus

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to help (a) agency workers and (b) people on zero hours contracts during the covid-19 pandemic.

Jesse Norman: The Government is seeking to protect, as far as possible, people’s jobs and incomes. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will help employers to continue paying 80% of their employees’ wages and is open to individuals on any contract type who were on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020. To support those on low incomes through the outbreak the Government has also announced a package of temporary welfare measures, including an increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance and the working tax credit basic element.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will delay the deadline for payments for people who are self-employed and pay tax through payment on account for the tax year 2020-21.

Jesse Norman: Initial Self-Assessment payments for the 2020-21 tax year are not due until January 2021. However, some tax payments for the 2019-20 tax year would normally be due in July 2020. The Government has taken immediate and unprecedented action to support small businesses and the self-employed with their finances, including deferring any Self-Assessment payments due this July to January 2021. The Government has also announced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which will provide grants to self-employed individuals or partnerships worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. The minimum income floor for Universal Credit has been temporarily removed, ensuring self-employed claimants can benefit fully if their income has fallen. Further information about dedicated COVID-19 support for the self-employed can be found by visiting the GOV.UK website.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to allow employees to apply to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where employers are refusing to do so on their behalf but the work is not essential.

Jesse Norman: The decision to furlough an employee must ultimately be agreed to by both the employer and employee. If an employee is concerned that their employer is not claiming on their behalf, they should speak with their employer in the first instance, and then with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Where it is permitted and does not go against public health guidance, businesses may wish to ask their employees to continue working as usual. Maintaining economic activity where possible will help economic recovery as the UK emerges from this pandemic.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to allow employers that have not completely ceased their operations to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help firms that have been severely affected by coronavirus to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. The scheme is open to all UK employers providing they have created and started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19 March 2020 and have a UK bank account. Employers do not need to place all their employees on furlough.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Part-time Employment

Tim Farron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make the provisions of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme accessible to employees who have to go part-time as a result of reduced demand and social distancing measures.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme does not subsidise part-time work. It is designed to support individuals who would otherwise have been made redundant and it also protects public health by minimising the number of non-key workers outside of their homes on a regular basis. The Government has strengthened the welfare system to support those whose hours change, including an increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance and the working tax credit basic element.

Taxation: Self-assessment

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to enable HMRC to allow anyone with an existing time to pay agreement a three month suspension due to inability to work during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: As announced by the Chancellor at Budget 2020, HMRC have scaled up their Time to Pay service, which is available to any taxpayer with outstanding tax liabilities and in temporary financial distress as a result of COVID-19. These arrangements are tailored to the taxpayer and can include deferment of tax payments and an agreed time period to repay. Any taxpayer with an existing Time to Pay arrangement that finds their circumstances have changed as a result of COVID-19 should contact HMRC to discuss their situation. HMRC’s dedicated COVID-19 helpline can be reached on 0800 024 1222.

Off-payroll Working

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of IR35 tax reforms on rates of employment amongst contractors.

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of IR35 tax reforms on (a) the economy and (b) flexibility in the workforce.

Jesse Norman: The off-payroll working rules are designed to ensure that someone working like an employee, but through a company, pays similar levels of tax to other employees. It is fair that individuals who work in a similar way should pay broadly the same amount of tax. The rules do not apply to the self-employed or stop anyone working through their own company. In January 2020, the Government launched a review into the implementation of the reform of the rules. The Government is aware that some organisations are considering whether PSCs are the best way to engage contractors who are working like employees. Businesses reported that where individuals had been moved onto payroll, this was a result of a review of the structure of their workforce. However, the Government has not seen any evidence that this indicates an overall change in demand for the services and skills that contractors offer, but will continue to monitor impacts on the labour market. For contractors who would prefer to continue to use a PSC, many organisations will still choose to engage contractors in this way, where this suits their business model. Independent research on the impacts of the reform in the public sector has suggested that it did not reduce market flexibility or affect the use of contingent labour. At Budget 2018, the independent OBR did not judge the forthcoming reform to have any specific macroeconomic impacts. This was reiterated in the Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) published in July 2019, which sets out HMRC’s assessment of the impact of the reform to the off-payroll working rules. The TIIN can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rules-for-off-payroll-working-from-april-2020/rules-for-off-payroll-working-from-april-2020.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to workers who will be put on short-time working arrangements.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is not designed to subsidise part-time work but to support individuals who would otherwise have been made redundant. The minimum amount of time an employee can be furloughed for is three weeks, but the employer can decide on how many employees to furlough and can furlough them multiple times while the scheme is in operation.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether employees eligible for the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme will also qualify for additional state benefit support.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme announced in March will help firms keep millions of people in employment. Universal Credit is designed to adjust as income changes. Individuals who are furloughed will continue to be paid by their company. If their wages fall, this will be taken into account by the Universal Credit system. Under the Job Retention Scheme, employers will be required to pay employees at least 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month. Employers can top this up but they are not required to do so.

Non-domestic Rates: Coronavirus

Olivia Blake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will expand eligibility for small business rate relief during the covid-19 outbreak to small businesses that pay business rates as part of their rent to their landlord.

Olivia Blake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend small business rates relief during the covid-19 outbreak to include all small and independent businesses.

Jesse Norman: Small businesses occupying a property with a rateable value below £15,000 are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). Businesses in receipt of their own business rates assessment and which meet the criteria may be eligible for SBRR and, for those in receipt of the relief, the £10,000 grant. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for SBRR, has also been made available.This includes the Government’s launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank, and the deferral of VAT payments for this quarter.The Government will keep under review any further financial assistance necessary to help businesses.

Red Diesel: Excise Duties

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2020 to Question 28573 on Red Diesel, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Local Government Association on the potential effect of changes to the tax treatment of red diesel on local government.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2020 to Question 28573 in Red Diesel, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential effect of changes to the tax treatment of red diesel on local government.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 1.247 on page 63 of the Budget 2020 Red Book and pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2020 to Question 28573 on Red Diesel; what discussions has he had with representatives of the Local Government Association on the potential effect on local government of the removal of the entitlement to use red diesel from April 2022.

Kemi Badenoch: To help the Government tackle climate change and improve the UK’s air quality, the Chancellor announced at Budget 2020 that the Government will remove the entitlement to use red diesel from April 2022, except in agriculture, fish farming, rail and non-commercial heating (including domestic heating). This change is designed to incentivise users of polluting fuels in both the public and private sector to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and machinery or look for greener alternatives. The Government recognises that these changes to the tax treatment of red diesel may affect some public sector bodies, such as local government, and will therefore engage with them closely later this year as part of its consultation on these changes. While the Government expects them to reduce diesel consumption, the Treasury will discuss pressures that arise with affected departments as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review scheduled for later this year. As set out in the policy costings document published alongside Budget 2020, the red diesel costing accounts for an increase in the overall resource spending envelope of £150 million per annum departmental spending to account for the fact that part of the costs of the policy will fall upon the public sector.

VAT: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the deferral of VAT payments in response to the covid-19 outbreak applies to VAT on imported goods.

Jesse Norman: The VAT deferral measure announced by the Chancellor on 20 March does not cover import VAT. However, the Government put in place measures that allowed importers, who were unable to make payment of deferred customs duties and import VAT due on 15 April, to extend the period for making full or partial payment, without having their guarantee called upon or their account suspended. The position for future payments will be reviewed taking account of any COVID-19 measures in place as 15 May approaches.

Dental Services: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps he is taking to support the dentistry sector during the covid-19 outbreak.

Steve Barclay: The NHS has put out clear guidance that dentists will be fully remunerated for the NHS work they would have otherwise undertaken during the covid-19 outbreak, subject to some basic requirements. As regards non-NHS activity, the Government has set out a range of measures which will support private income for dentists. If they meet the criteria, private dentists who are self-employed could be eligible for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme and those who are employees and receive a salary through a PAYE scheme could be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. All employed staff in dental practices, including support staff, could also be eligible for this scheme. In addition, private dentists can access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, if they can channel their activity through a business account. This is on top of other support, such as tax deferrals. Dental businesses may also be eligible for up to 100% Small Business Rate Relief where it has a single property with a rateable value below £15,000.

Tourism: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to provide financial support to businesses in the travel and tourism industry facing cash flow difficulties as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: During this difficult time the Treasury recognises the extreme disruption the necessary actions to combat Covid-19 are having on businesses, including important industries such as travel and tourism. That is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for individuals and businesses to protect against the current economic emergency. This includes a business rates holiday, grants to smaller businesses, and a package of government-backed and guaranteed loans through the Coronavirus Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). Together these schemes ensure almost all viable UK businesses can apply for a government backed loan. Travel and tourism industries can further benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The government will not be able to protect every single job or save every single business, but these measures will support millions of families, businesses and self-employed people to get through this and emerge on the other side both stronger and more united.

Charities: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support the charity sector during the covid-19 outbreak; and whether any emergency funding will be made available to that sector during the pandemic.

Kemi Badenoch: Many charities and social enterprises will benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. Under these measures, like other businesses, charities can defer their VAT bills and pay no business rates for their shops next year. All charities are eligible for the job retention scheme and the right answer for many charities will be to furlough their employees with the government paying 80% of wages. However, we know that some charities are providing critical services and wider support to vulnerable people and communities during the pandemic. On 8 April the Chancellor announced a £750 million package of support for charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis. This new package of support will enable such organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need. This funding package will help charities providing essential services to continue their operations and to weather the storm until we return to more normal times. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible.

Charities: Coronavirus

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that charities are financially supported during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: Many charities and social enterprises will benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. Under these measures, like other businesses, charities can defer their VAT bills and pay no business rates for their shops next year. All charities are eligible for the job retention scheme and the right answer for many charities will be to furlough their employees with the government paying 80% of wages. However, we know that some charities are providing critical services and wider support to vulnerable people and communities during the pandemic. On 8 April the Chancellor announced a £750 million package of support for charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis. This new package of support will enable such organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need.  This funding package will help charities providing essential services to continue their operations and to weather the storm until we return to more normal times. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Directors

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether Directors of Public Limited Companies can furlough themselves under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether (a) vulnerable people and (b) the elderly who have been recommended to self-isolate for 12 weeks will be eligible for support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Stella Creasy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether nannies are eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a sole director and employee of a limited company is eligible for salary assistance as an employee under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: In March, the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms keep millions of people in employment. The scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Full guidance for employers and employees can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Self-employed: Coronavirus

Emma Hardy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what financial support he plans to provide to people that registered as self-employed after the 2018-19 tax year and therefore did not submit a tax return in that year.

Jesse Norman: Those who entered self-employment after the 2018-19 tax year and are ineligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme may still be eligible for other Government support. For example, the self-employed can benefit from the relaxation of the earnings rules (known as the Minimum Income Floor) in Universal Credit. Individuals may also have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their circumstances, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Directors

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to enable salaried company directors to undertake essential work to maintain their businesses while furloughed; and if he will make a statement.

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a sole employee of a limited company that is furloughed is able to undertake work required to sustain the long-term viability of that company during the covid-19 pandemic.

Jesse Norman: In March, the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms keep millions of people in employment. Where furloughed directors need to carry out particular duties to fulfil the statutory obligations they owe to their company, they may do so provided they do no more than would reasonably be judged necessary for that purpose, and they should not do work of a kind they would carry out in normal circumstances to generate commercial revenue or provide services to or on behalf of their company. Full guidance for employers and employees can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Charities: Coronavirus

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support charities during the covid-19 outbreak; and whether he has plans to allocate emergency funding to that sector.

Kemi Badenoch: Many charities and social enterprises will benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. Under these measures, like other businesses, charities can defer their VAT bills and pay no business rates for their shops next year. All charities are eligible for the job retention scheme and the right answer for many charities will be to furlough their employees with the government paying 80% of wages. However, we know that some charities are providing critical services and wider support to vulnerable people and communities during the pandemic. On 8 April the Chancellor announced a £750 million package of support for charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis. This new package of support will enable such organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need.  This funding package will help charities providing essential services to continue their operations and to weather the storm until we return to more normal times. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible.

Furniture: Manufacturing Industries

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the 12-month Business Rates holiday to the furniture and furnishings manufacturing sector.

Jesse Norman: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief, given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as manufacturers, has also been made available. These include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms to keep people in employment, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and VAT deferrals.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Sole Traders

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme applies to the (a) income and (b) director dividend of a person that is a sole director and sole employee of a limited company.

Jesse Norman: In March, the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms keep millions of people in employment. Incorporated individuals will benefit from the job retention scheme on their salary paid through PAYE. Income from dividends is a return on investment in the company, rather than wages, and is not eligible for support. Guidance on how to calculate 80% of wages can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages-to-claim-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Universal Credit

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if the Government will pay tax credits claimants transitioning to universal credit until the their first universal credit payment is received.

Steve Barclay: Unlike Tax Credits, Universal Credit is assessed and paid monthly and is based on claimants’ actual earnings in the month, rather than their annual income. It is not possible to award a Universal Credit payment as soon as a claim is made, as the assessment period must run its course before the award of Universal Credit can be calculated. As a claimant’s first Universal Credit payment is paid from the date the claim was made, continuing to pay Tax Credits to former claimants in the interim period would result in dual provision. However, no one has to wait for financial support. Advance payments are available from day one to ensure that families have money to support them through this period. In addition, to support people during the Covid-19 outbreak we have made advances available online and over the phone, ensuring that claimants do not need to attend a jobcentre.

Charities: Coronavirus

Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department's news story, Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities, published on 8 April 2020, when his Department plans to publish guidance on who is eligible to apply for that funding.

Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department's news story, Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities, published on 8 April 2020, how his Department plans to decide which charities will be eligible for that funding; and who will make that decision.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government knows that some charities are providing critical services and wider support to vulnerable people and communities during the pandemic. The new package of support will enable such organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need. £360m will be allocated by central government to charities based on evidence of service need. This will include up to £200m support for hospices, with the rest going to organisations like St Johns’ Ambulance and the Citizens Advice Bureau as well as charities supporting vulnerable children, victims of domestic abuse, or disabled people.£370m will support smaller, local charities working with vulnerable people. This will provide support for thousands of charities on the frontline of helping vulnerable people affected by Covid-19.A contribution of at least £20m to the National Emergencies Trust appeal. This funding package will help charities providing essential services to continue their operations and to weather the storm until we return to more normal times. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible. Many charities and social enterprises will also benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. Under these measures, like other businesses, charities can defer their VAT bills and pay no business rates for their shops next year. All charities are eligible for the job retention scheme and the right answer for many charities will be to furlough their employees with the government paying 80% of wages.

Charities: Coronavirus

Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department's news story, Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities, published on 8 April 2020, how children's cancer charities such as CLIC Sargent will be able to access that funding.

Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department's news story, Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities, published on 8 April 2020, whether charities that operate UK-wide will be able to access funding earmarked for devolved nations as well as the fund for frontline services and vulnerable people.

Kemi Badenoch: The package of support announced by the Chancellor on 8 April will enable charitable organisations to continue providing essential services to those most in need.£360m will be allocated by central government to charities based on evidence of service need. This will include up to £200m support for hospices, with the rest going to organisations like St Johns’ Ambulance and the Citizens Advice Bureau as well as charities supporting vulnerable children, victims of domestic abuse, or disabled people. £370m will support smaller, local charities working with vulnerable people. In England, this support will be provided through organisations like the National Lottery Community Fund. We will allocate £60m of this funding through the Barnett formula so the devolved administrations are funded to provide similar support in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible. Many charities and social enterprises will also benefit from the existing measures announced to support employers and businesses. Under these measures, like other businesses, charities can defer their VAT bills and pay no business rates for their shops next year. All charities are eligible for the job retention scheme and the right answer for many charities will be to furlough their employees with the government paying 80% of wages.

Optical Fibres: Non-domestic Rates

Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Part 2, regulation 7 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Telecommunications Infrastructure Relief) (England) Regulations 2018, (S.I., 2018, No. 425), which companies have (a) applied for and (b) received a certificate for fibre rates relief.

Jesse Norman: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued a number of certificates but it is not possible to disclose the specific companies involved, as the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 restricts the VOA from providing this information, in order to protect ratepayer confidentiality.

Valuation Office Agency

Sir Roger Gale: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he plans to take to fully re-open the Valuation Office Agency in order to clear the backlog of that Agency`s outstanding queries during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is continuing to serve ratepayers at this challenging time, in line with Government guidance on managing this pandemic. The VOA is handling queries via email and other online channels and is prioritising work related to COVID-19. The VOA has moved staff from other areas to support customer service teams and help reduce response times.

National Insurance Contributions: NHS

Drew Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending national insurance refunds for national insurance contributions paid while studying to all NHS staff trained under the Widening Access Training Scheme.

Jesse Norman: Income tax and National Insurance Contribution (NICs) are due on payments to NHS employees participating in NHS Widening Access Training Scheme courses. This is because these are payments of salary and are not scholarship income. HM Revenue and Customs have published updated guidance clarifying this tax position for NHS Trusts and employees whose courses started on or after 1 September 2019.

Small Businesses: Insurance

Mr John Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that small business insurers recognise covid-19 as a notifiable disease.

John Glen: The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation. For those businesses which have an appropriate policy that covers government ordered closure and unspecified notifiable diseases, the Government’s social distancing instructions are sufficient to allow businesses to make a claim against their insurance, provided the other terms and conditions in their policy are met. The FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. In addition, the FCA has said that, in light of COVID-19, insurers must consider very carefully the needs of their customers and show flexibility in their treatment of them. The Government is working closely with the FCA to ensure that the rules are being upheld during this crisis.However, most businesses have not purchased insurance that covers losses from COVID-19. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers. The Government recognises that businesses who do not have appropriate insurance cover will require support from elsewhere. As such, businesses should explore the full package of support set out by the Chancellor, which includes measures such as business rates holidays, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and wage support.

Insurance: Coronavirus

Patrick Grady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the insurance industry on implementing an insurance premium holiday period for people affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen: The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation. The Government recognises that the outbreak of COVID-19 may lead to consumers facing financial difficulty and uncertainty. The Government is working closely with the financial sector and financial regulators in order to ensure they take coordinated steps in support of the Government’s economic response to COVID-19. To help consumers who are facing temporary cash flow problems as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, there are several measures that have been introduced across wider financial services. On 17 March, the Chancellor announced on behalf of the sector that mortgage lenders will offer a three month ‘mortgage holiday’ for borrowers in financial difficulty. In addition, on 14 April, the Financial Conduct Authority implemented proposals to give its regulated firms the flexibility to provide temporary financial relief to those facing payment difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures include firms being expected to offer a temporary payment freeze on loans and credit cards for up to three months, for consumers negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Angela Crawley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to ensure that February and March new starter workers who were not able to notify HMRC of their employment before 19 March 2020 are eligible for the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme.

Claire Hanna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the cut off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to make eligible people who submitted their RTI to HMRC after 19 March 2020.

Jesse Norman: Extending the cut-off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme beyond 20 March, when the scheme was announced, would enable criminals to exploit the scheme by providing fraudulent payroll data that HMRC could not easily verify. Processing claims beyond 20 March while managing the significant fraud risks would require much greater manual handling by HMRC which would substantially slow down the system and therefore delay the delivery of grants that many businesses desperately need.Those not eligible for this grant may be able to access the other support the Government is providing, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those struggling with their mortgage payments.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to encourage businesses to furlough through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme those staff who are shielding as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: Employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can be placed on furlough. Use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is at the discretion of the employer. Individuals who are shielding should speak to their employer about whether they plan to place staff on furlough. If a firm chooses not to furlough such staff, they are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay as a statutory minimum, although many employers will pay more than that in occupational sick pay.

Nurseries: Coronavirus

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the guidance issued to private nurseries on furloughing employees during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Scottish Government has been closely involved in the UK response to COVID-19. Treasury ministers and officials are in close contact with their Scottish counterparts regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Although the CJRS is UK-wide, the Department for Education’s guidance relating to the CJRS applies to England only. Department for Education officials have discussed COVID-19 guidance with their Scottish counterparts and continue to work with them on matters relating to COVID-19.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Christine Jardine: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to use tax receipts held by the HMRC in parity with the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to determine financial support for freelancers in the North Sea oil and gas supply industry facing financial difficulties.

Jesse Norman: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will allow eligible individuals to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for 3 months.  Self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, are eligible if they have submitted their Income Tax Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19, continued to trade and have lost trading/partnership trading profits due to COVID-19. Alternatively, those who were on an employer's PAYE payroll on 19 March may be eligible to receive 80% of their usual monthly wages up to a maximum of £2,500 per month through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS is available to employers, including personal service companies, and individuals paying themselves a salary through a PAYE scheme are eligible.  The scheme covers employees on any type of contract, including full-time, part-time, agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts. These schemes supplement the other significant support announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Agency Workers

Alan Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to allow agency workers to be furloughed if those workers meet the same PAYE criteria as workers employed directly by their employer.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Where agency workers are paid through PAYE, they are eligible to be furloughed and receive support through this scheme. Full guidance for employers and employees can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Alan Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend the Self-employment Income Support Scheme to include self employed people who are paid by dividends.

Jesse Norman: Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HMRC to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources. Expanding the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme would require HMRC to collect and verify new information which would take longer to deliver. This would put at risk this and other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as soon as possible. Those who are not eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme may still be eligible for other significant support announced for UK businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of people who have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme being able to continue to work on critical elements of their employers' operations not related to income generation or trading; and when he plans to respond to the letter dated 31 March 2020 from the hon. Member for Edinburgh East on that subject.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help those who otherwise would have been made unemployed and to provide support to businesses as quickly as possible. Allowing employers to move staff to part-time and claim the difference would be contrary to the policy goal and substantially increase the risk of fraud. It is also inconsistent with public health guidance for people to stay at home. However, there is flexibility in the scheme as employers can decide how many staff to furlough, and staff can be furloughed multiple times while the scheme is in operation, provided they are furloughed for a minimum of 3 weeks. The Honourable Member will appreciate that at this unprecedented time the Government is receiving very significant volumes of correspondence. HM Treasury officials are working to ensure that all Honourable Members receive a reply to correspondence as soon as possible.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to enable employees that had a signed contract but had not started work prior to the announcement of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to be furloughed under that scheme; and when he plans to respond to the letters of 27 March 2020 and 16 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Edinburgh East.

Jesse Norman: Processing claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where HMRC do not have RTI data by 19 March would require much greater manual handling by HMRC, which would significantly slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud. It would also require greater resource for HMRC when they are already under significant pressure to deliver the system designed. Those not eligible for the scheme may be able to access the other support Government is providing, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those struggling with their mortgage payments. The Honourable Member will appreciate that at this unprecedented time the Government is receiving very significant volumes of correspondence. HM Treasury officials are working to ensure that all Honourable Members receive a reply to correspondence as soon as possible.

Electronic Equipment and Internet: Vulnerable Adults

Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on funding programmes to provide electronic equipment and connectivity for education and social use to vulnerable people.

Kemi Badenoch: HMT and DCMS ministers meet frequently to cover a range of issues as part of the normal process of policy development and delivery. The government is working to address issues faced by vulnerable people who may also be digitally excluded. For example: - The government is currently working with FutureDotNow to support an industry-led campaign to provide devices to digitally excluded people to support better health and social care outcomes. - The government has also worked with the UK’s major telecommunications providers to agree measures to support connectivity for vulnerable consumers. - The government has also recently announced that vulnerable and disadvantaged children across England are to receive laptops, tablets and 4G routers to make remote education accessible. The government is additionally working with the major telecommunications providers to make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Mr Toby Perkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when businesses that furloughed staff in March will receive their first furlough payments.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme opened for claims on 20 April. Payments will be made six working days after a claim is made. Employers who made a claim on or before 22 April will receive payments by the end of April.

Business: Non-domestic Rates

Matt Western: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure businesses who pay business rates via their rent are eligible for coronavirus business support grant funds.

Jesse Norman: The Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund have been designed to support the smallest businesses, and smaller businesses in some of the sectors which have been hit hardest by measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The two schemes have been tied to the business rates system and rating assessments, which together provide a framework for Local Authorities to make payments as quickly as possible. Businesses in the business rates system are also likely to face particularly high fixed costs, such as fixed rents. In some shared spaces, individual users have their own rating assessments and may therefore be eligible for the grants schemes. In these cases, Local Authorities are urging landlords and management agents to support them in ensuring that the grants reach the correct ratepayers. Businesses operating in shared spaces which do not have their own ratings assessment are not eligible for the grants schemes. Extending eligibility to these businesses would not be practicable as it would require Local Authorities to create an entirely new system and to put in place appropriate anti-fraud checks. This would significantly increase Local Authorities’ workloads at a time when they are already working under pressure to support struggling businesses as quickly as possible.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Sir David Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what guidance his Department has issued on (a) discretionary and (b) non-discretionary commission to organisations that are furloughing staff through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: Employers can claim for any regular payments they are obliged to pay their employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. This includes wages, past overtime, fees and compulsory commission payments. However, discretionary bonus (including tips and tronc) and commission payments and non-cash payments should be excluded. Full guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-80-of-your-employees-wages-to-claim-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Mortgages: Coronavirus

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons mortgage consultancy firms do not qualify for the same treatment in respect of business rates relief as estate agents during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, has also been made available.The Government has launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, as well as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank. The Government is also deferring VAT payments for this quarter.

Broadband: Coronavirus

Angela Crawley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer,if he will introduce funding to enable people who cannot access superfast broadband to stay connected online during lockdown through mobile data packages.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has announced unprecedented support for businesses and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency. The Government has also worked with the UK’s major telecommunications providers to agree measures to support connectivity for vulnerable consumers and the NHS. In addition, the government recently announced that vulnerable and disadvantaged children across England are to receive laptops, tablets and 4G routers to make remote education accessible. We are also working with the major telecommunications providers to make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether furloughed directors of small limited companies can carry out (a) marketing, (b) future sales planning and (c) other non-income generating tasks for their businesses in preparation for re-opening shuttered hospitality venues whilst using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: In March, the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms keep millions of people in employment. Where furloughed directors need to carry out particular duties to fulfil the statutory obligations they owe to their company, they may do so provided they do no more than would reasonably be judged necessary for that purpose, and they should not do work of a kind they would carry out in normal circumstances to generate commercial revenue or provide services to or on behalf of their company. Full guidance for employers and employees can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Health Services: Non-domestic Rates

Gavin Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including medical service providers within the Expanded Retail Discount Scheme.

Felicity Buchan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the business of (a) private dentists, (b) private physiotherapists, (c) other private healthcare providers; and whether he has plans to provide business rates relief to those sectors as provided to the hospitality sector.

Jesse Norman: The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England through business rates relief, given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors. Business rates in Northern Ireland are devolved. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as medical service providers, has also been made available. For example, the Government has launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank. The Government is also deferring VAT payments for this quarter.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to accept contracts of employment as supporting evidence for applications to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Processing claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where HMRC do not have RTI data by 19 March would require much greater manual handling by HMRC, which would substantially slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud. It would also require greater resource for HMRC when they are already under significant pressure to deliver the system designed. Those not eligible for the scheme may be able to access other support the Government is providing, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those struggling with their mortgage payments.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Drew Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to improve the process for businesses to access funds through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme launched ahead of schedule on 20 April, just one month after the announcement. The online portal has been developed and delivered at great speed to ensure employers can receive payments by the end of April. HMRC have designed the service to be as simple as possible, while ensuring the appropriate fraud and compliance controls are in place. Guidance has been published on GOV.UK for employers to enable them to determine their eligibility and how to compile their claims, and to ensure they have the right online authentication credentials, so that they can upload their claims now the service is open. HMRC have up to 10,200 staff manning phone lines and webchat services to ensure any questions can be answered. The overall digital customer satisfaction for the week commencing Monday 20 April is 81.3% against a target of 80%. Taxpayers continue to successfully complete their transactions through digital means, reducing the demand on other customer channels such as telephony.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Drew Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HMRC staff are providing telephone support for businesses trying to access funds through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; and what the average call waiting time is for people seeking to access that support.

Jesse Norman: HMRC have trained 10,200 staff to work on the Job Retention Scheme. HMRC are constantly monitoring the performance of the Job Retention Scheme helpline and webchat, ensuring that there is sufficient resource to meet demand. Those calling HMRC’s Job Retention Scheme line this week are experiencing a wait time of less than 1 minute.

Asos: Redundancy

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will meet with ASOS plc to discuss how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme applies to employees that were being consulted on redundancy before the announcement of that scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Full guidance for employers is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme for further details. If there is any doubt, the Treasury would be happy to consider further correspondence.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Charities: Coronavirus

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to provide financial support to charities in the orchestral and musical sector in receipt of charitable rate relief affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr John Whittingdale: On 8th April, the Treasury announced a funding package for charities providing vital services and helping vulnerable people through the current crisis. Unfortunately, not all charitable organisations will be able to benefit from this package. I would encourage organisations to assess whether other schemes provided by the Government will be better suited to their circumstances such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and deferring VAT payments. DCMS has also been working closely with Arts Council England (ACE) to monitor and respond to the challenges being faced by the arts and cultural sectors. On 24 March, Arts Council England announced a £160m emergency response package, made possible by Government funding, to complement the financial measures already announced by Government and ensure immediate resilience of this vital sector. DCMS and Arts Council England will continue to work closely to consider the additional measures that are needed to ensure the long-term recovery and growth of the cultural sector.

Broadband: Coronavirus

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of whether the UK’s major broadband companies have effectively supported extra demand for broadband during the early weeks of the covid-19 outbreak.

Matt Warman: The telecoms sector has undertaken a significant amount of work over recent years to prepare for a pandemic. DCMS is working closely with the main broadband providers to ensure the network remains stable and continues to have sufficient capacity for the increases in home-working and remote learning the country has seen as a part of its response to Covid-19.

Exercise: Coronavirus

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department has taken to involve (a) gyms and (b) personal trainers in promoting health and fitness during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: Physical activity is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the nation. We have been working closely with our national sports council Sport England to continue to promote health and fitness during lockdown. Sport England have launched the Join the Movement campaign which provides tips, advice and guidance on how people can keep or get active in and around the home. Join the Movement has involved the health and fitness industry, including partners like ukactive, in the development of the campaign. Its online hub offers free exercise content and advice from organisations such as the NHS. Workouts from fitness brands and influencers such as Les Mills on Demand, The Body Coach (Joe Wicks) and FiiT are also available via the hub, many of whom are offering extended free trials to help people get active at home. As part of the campaign, Sport England are keen to hear from those who have more content to share and they have also urged those who share their ambitions and values to help spread the message of Join the Movement across the nation. In addition, the 450 school games organisers, funded by government have been redeployed to help children and families to get active at home using online content.

Local Broadcasting: Coronavirus

Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support community radio stations during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Government is strongly supportive of the community radio sector and recognises the great value that it offers to communities across the United Kingdom, in terms of providing quality local news, information and entertainment. We recognise the challenges that some community stations are facing due to Covid-19 and are currently holding discussions with Ofcom and the Community Media Association (CMA) on possible options to provide urgent support for those stations in greatest need.

Broadcasting: Equality

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to page four of the report published by Ofcom on 18 September 2019 entitled Diversity and equal opportunities in television, whether the Government has received representations from Ofcom on powers to collect information from broadcasters on the characteristics of (a) age, (b) sexual orientation and (c) religion or belief.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Government has received representations from Ofcom regarding powers to collect information on additional diversity characteristics. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom requires data from broadcasters related to equality of opportunity between men and women, people of different racial groups, and for disabled persons. The Government is committed to supporting the broadcasting sector in reflecting and providing for the whole of the UK population and encourages broadcasters to provide data to Ofcom on all the protected characteristics.

Coronavirus: Death

Jane Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has plans to commemorate lives lost to covid-19.

Mr John Whittingdale: Every single death from coronavirus will cause grief and heartache for families across the country, and the nation will rightly want to remember all those we have lost. There will be a formal national recognition for all Covid-19 victims at an appropriate time.

Youth Services: North Staffordshire

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to support the YMCA and other youth projects in North Staffordshire.

Mr John Whittingdale: DCMS is engaging regularly with key youth organisations and colleagues in other government departments to understand the impact of Covid-19 on the provision of vital services for young people and options for addressing this. Government has funded up to £7 million through the Youth Accelerator Fund, expanding existing successful projects delivering positive activities for young people, and to address urgent needs in the youth sector. UK Youth has distributed over £1 million in small grants to support grassroots organisations to deliver extra sessions in youth clubs and increase positive activities for young people across the country. 5 grants have been awarded to organisations in Staffordshire totalling over £18,000. This Government is also distributing £310 million via the National Lottery Community Fund to support the organisations in England most impacted by Covid-19. This is part of the wider Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise package to include organisations working with vulnerable people.

Loneliness: Stoke On Trent

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle loneliness in (a) Stoke-on-Trent, (b) Kidsgrove and (c) Talke.

Mr John Whittingdale: The government’s first annual report on tackling loneliness was published in January 2020. It highlighted the progress made so far across the country, including in the West Midlands. The report highlighted the good work of the 126 projects supported through the £11.5m Building Connections Fund to bring people and communities together. 14 grants, totalling £1.2million, have been made to projects in the West Midlands. This includes grants made to Staffordshire Housing Association Limited to provide long-term social support to older people and to Saltbox to support older people in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. In addition, the Government has recently announced a plan to tackle feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak and period of social distancing. The plan includes funding for loneliness organisations, a new #Let’sTalkLoneliness public campaign and a new ‘Tackling Loneliness Network’ convened by Government of high profile charities, businesses and public figures to help connect groups at risk of isolation.

Sanitary Protection: VAT

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions his Department has had with charities in (a) Stoke-on-Trent and (b) Kidsgrove on applying for the Tampon Tax Fund.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport is not aware of any discussions that have been had with charities in a) Stoke-on-Trent and b) Kidsgrove about applying to the 2020/21 round of the Tampon Tax Fund.

Football: Coronavirus

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the long-term financial effects of the covid-19 outbreak on lower league football clubs.

Nigel Huddleston: Football clubs form an integral part of this country and it is important they are given as much support as possible during these difficult times. In light of this, the Government announced a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support for business through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. It is also vital that the football community comes together at this time, and I welcomed the Premier League announcement to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League to help clubs throughout the football pyramid. The EFL has also announced a £50m relief fund to help their clubs enduring immediate cash flow problems because of the coronavirus crisis. The Government will continue to liaise closely with all the football authorities to further understand the difficulties clubs are experiencing.

Football: Coronavirus

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate the Government has made of the financial losses incurred by football clubs as a result of cancelled matches due to covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: Tackling the covid-19 outbreak is the Government’s top priority, and unfortunately the actions taken to do so have meant that sports events have had to be postponed or cancelled. We are in regular contact with the sport sector - including football clubs - on the financial consequences of this for organisations.The Government has announced a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support for business through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. It is also vital that the football community comes together at this time, and I welcomed the Premier League announcement to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League to help clubs throughout the football pyramid.

Public Holidays: Coronavirus

Scott Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits for the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors of introducing additional bank holidays in late 2020, in the event that lockdown restrictions implemented in response to the covid-19 outbreak have been lifted.

Nigel Huddleston: The Government is committed to helping the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors through this crisis and beyond. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to assess how we can most effectively support the sector during the recovery period. Our immediate national priority is containing the spread of the virus. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will be encouraging people to embrace the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors once again.

Local Broadcasting: Coronavirus

Jane Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support the community radio sector during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Government is strongly supportive of the community radio sector and recognises the great value that it offers to communities across the United Kingdom, in terms of providing quality local news, information and entertainment. We recognise the challenges that some community stations are facing due to Covid-19 and are currently holding discussions with Ofcom and the Community Media Association (CMA) on possible options to provide urgent support for those stations in greatest need.

Music: Coronavirus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to support professional recording studios (a) during and b) after the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced measures to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic. This includes the Government stepping in to help pay people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most generous of any in the world – paying grants to support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the country who promises to retain their staff, can apply for a grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages. Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this limit set well above the median income. The cost of wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open for at least three months. The Government will consider extending the scheme for longer if necessary. We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or May; and they will have until the end of the financial year to repay those bills. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension from the initial announcement of six months. We have already introduced and announced an extension to the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small and medium-sized businesses. On Tuesday, the Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed from £1.2 million to £5 million.

Arts: Coronavirus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to help companies in the creative industries facing cashflow problems due to large number of refund requests for cancelled entertainment due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: We are aware of the issues created by refund requests for cancelled events due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Government has put in place a number of financial measures to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension from the initial announcement of six months. We have already introduced and announced an extension to the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small and medium-sized businesses. On Tuesday, the Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed from £1.2 million to £5 million. We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or May; and they will have until the end of the financial year to repay those bills.

Culture: Coronavirus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate he has made of the level of lost revenue to the cultural sector between March and June 2020 due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: Covid-19 presents a significant challenge to many of DCMS’ sectors, including the cultural sector. The Chancellor has been very clear that the pandemic will have a significant impact on our economy, even with the unprecedented measures the Government has already announced and implemented, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, £20bn of direct fiscal support for businesses in England through tax relief and cash grants, and the Coronavirus job retention scheme.During the response to this outbreak, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Digital and Culture have led a number of calls with representatives of the creative and cultural sectors, amongst other DCMS sectors, to understand the challenges that they are facing. There are plans for ongoing, regular contact with members and representatives of the cultural sector.Officials are also continuing to engage with sector organisations regularly in order to best understand the impact of Covid-19 on their activities and how the Government can further support the cultural sector.

Local Broadcasting: Publicity

Mr John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans the Government has to purchase more advertising slots on community radio stations.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Government is strongly supportive of the community radio sector and recognises the great value that it offers to those communities they serve, in terms of providing quality local news, information and entertainment. We are committed to community radio's long-term sustainability, which is why we are currently holding discussions with the Community Media Association (CMA) on how to support it through Covid-19. We recognise that community radio is a useful conduit for disseminating information to hard to reach groups, however decisions regarding the funding and distributing of advertisements is dealt with by the Cabinet Office. I understand that the Community Media Association is liaising with them and OmniGov, the government’s media planning and buying partner.

Leisure: Coronavirus

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to mitigate the economic effect to (a) businesses and (b) the economy of the cancellation of major events such as the (i) the Edinburgh International Festival (ii) The Open Championship and (iii) The Championships, Wimbledon.

Caroline Dinenage: We recognise the extreme disruption that the necessary actions we are taking to respond to the threat of Coronavirus, including prohibiting public gatherings and events and the fall in inbound tourism, are having on people’s lives, businesses and the nation’s economy. That is why the Government has announced an unprecedented package of support to protect businesses across the UK, including the Job Retention Scheme (covering 80% of furloughed employees wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month), and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (up to £2,500 per month in grants for eligible self-employed workers). These support measures are open to businesses across the UK and in every sector, including Culture, Creative Industries and Sport. In addition, DCMS has worked with our arms-length bodies in England to establish tailored support for DCMS sectors, such as the £160m Arts Council England Emergency Fund and the £195m Sport England economic package. In the specific case of the Edinburgh International Festival, I recognise that it is a cultural asset to the whole of the United Kingdom. However, sports and the arts are devolved matters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and similar schemes have been introduced by the Devolved Administrations, for example the £11m Creative Scotland fund.

Arts: Coronavirus

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to support freelancers in the creative industry affected by the cancellation of events due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: The Chancellor has announced measures to protect the self-employed. So long as they fulfil the criteria for these measures, freelancers and the self employed in the music industry benefit from these measures. The Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will support self-employed individuals (including members of partnerships) whose income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The scheme will provide a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. HMRC will use the average profits from tax returns in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to calculate the size of the grant.

Charities: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on support for charity workers in faith organisations through the package of support announced for charities.

Mr John Whittingdale: We are proactively engaging across the sector, to maintain a complete picture of the impact of coronavirus, and working to identify the additional support charities require through this time of financial instability. The £750 million package of grants announced by the Chancellor on 8 April is a substantial package of targeted support for charities and their staff working on the frontline of responding to Coronavirus. Charity workers can also make use of other measures announced by the Chancellor including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The Government funding will be allocated based on evidence of service need. No allocations of government funds have been made yet but departments are working at pace to identify priority recipients. Once funding has been allocated, eligible Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise organisations will be able to start accessing funds within weeks. More information will be announced shortly

Sports: Coronavirus

Dr Luke Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) mass participation sporting events and (b) spectator sports can function effectively after the covid-19 outbreak.

Nigel Huddleston: The Government recognises the impact that covid-19 is having on the sporting sector. The Chancellor has announced an unprecedented package of measures to help businesses in this period, including £330 billion worth of government-backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK. The Government is keen to ensure mass participation sporting events and spectator sports can function effectively once the covid-19 outbreak has subsided. We are engaging regularly across the sector, including working with competition organisers, to understand how sports are planning to return and the circumstances in which they foresee it may be possible for events to go ahead. But we have been clear throughout that this can only happen when it is safe to do so and in line with the public health guidance of at the time.Advice on sporting events has at all times been in accordance with the latest scientific and medical advice. The Government has been taking a clear, phased approach to tackling the virus, led by our medical experts and our absolute priority is to protect people's health. However the situation continues to evolve and we will update guidance as the medical advice changes.

Social Media: Coronavirus

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance the Government has issued to dating (a) applications and (b) websites to help ensure that people do not use those services to arrange to meet up in person in contravention of social distancing measures during the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: Over the past few weeks the Digital Tech Policy directorate within DCMS have been holding Coordinating Communications and Support teleconferences with key stakeholders. Below is a list of key bodies that were engaged with throughout the series of calls. Dating apps and website companies are amongst their membership. TechUK - the leading representative body for the tech sector in the UK, Tech Nation, Tech Cluster Group, Digital Catapult, CBI (digital team), Coadec Others include: Tech Advocates, British Computer Society, Internet Association, Institute for Coding, The Software Alliance The government has issued clear guidance to businesses and the general public on how to respond to the current situation and this guidance is kept up to date on GOV.UK. We would expect everyone to be aware of social distancing guidance and to be doing their best to follow it.

Internet: Safety

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will publish his Department’s list of identified online harms and the groups at risk from each of them.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government published the initial response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation on 12 February 2020. This confirmed that the Government is developing legislation on online harms to establish a new duty of care on online companies towards their users, overseen by an independent regulator. Companies will be expected to ensure higher levels of protection for children than for the typical adult user. The White Paper provided an indicative list of online harms that in-scope companies would be expected to address. That list was not exhaustive or fixed. Online harms legislation will need to be sufficiently flexible, so that it is responsive to emerging technologies and forms of harmful content and behaviour, while at the same time providing sufficient certainty to companies. The White Paper also excluded some types of harm from scope, including harm to companies and harm arising from a breach of data protection legislation or cyber-security. Further information on the duty of care and harm to be addressed will be provided in the Full Government Response to the White Paper consultation.

Electronic Equipment and Internet: Vulnerable Adults

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on allocating funding to provide electronic equipment and connectivity for education and social use to vulnerable people.

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to provide electronic equipment with internet connectivity to vulnerable and under privileged people during the covid-19 outbreak.

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effect on people who do not have access to the internet of the decline in face-to-face services during the response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government understands that those who are most vulnerable may also lack the access to technology, connectivity and basic digital skills to be able to fully participate while following social distancing advice. We are currently working at pace, in partnership with the tech sector and civil society organisations, to understand the effect on people who do not have access to the internet and to develop solutions to these challenges, as well as providing support to vulnerable people. HMT and DCMS ministers meet frequently to cover a range of issues as part of the normal process of policy development and delivery. The government is working to address issues faced by vulnerable people who may also be digitally excluded. The government has worked with the UK’s major telecommunications providers to agree measures to support connectivity for vulnerable consumers in general and those who may become vulnerable due to circumstances arising from Covid-19. We are currently working with Futuredotnow, a coalition of companies and civil society organisations working to improve digital skills, on a campaign called DevicesDotNow. The campaign will work with the government to ensure that devices go where they are most needed to support better health and social care outcomes for the digitally excluded, to support remote working and to promote wider wellbeing. Government also recently announced that vulnerable and disadvantaged children across England are to receive laptops, tablets and 4G routers to make remote education accessible. We are also working with the major telecommunications providers to make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.

Football: Females

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the finding of the FIFPro report published on 16 April 2020 that the covid-19 outbreak represents an existential threat to women's football.

Nigel Huddleston: We want to see the popularity of women’s sport continue to thrive. We have seen record audiences tune in or turn up to watch international women’s events, for example over 28 million viewers watched the BBC coverage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup on television and online. Football is also a popular choice for women and girls to get active: it is the second most popular team sport in terms of participation for adult women in England, and the top ranked team sport in terms of participation for girls. Football clubs form an integral part of this country and it is important they are given as much support as possible during these difficult times. In light of this, the Government announced a comprehensive and sizable package of direct fiscal support for business through tax reliefs, cash grants and employee wage support. Alongside this, Sport England has issued guidance to the sport and leisure sector as well as announcing £195 million of funding, including a £20 million Community Emergency Fund, to help the sector. The government is also looking forward to the UK hosting the rescheduled women’s UEFA European Championships in 2022, and working to ensure this tournament builds on the fantastic momentum we have seen within the womens’ game in recent years. The Government will continue to liaise closely with all the football authorities to further understand any difficulties clubs may be experiencing.

*No heading*

Sarah Atherton: What progress his Department has made on delivering the Shared Rural Network.

Matt Warman: The Government announced on 9 March that it had agreed a £1 billion deal with the mobile network operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network. This will see operators collectively increase mobile phone coverage throughout the UK to 95% by end-2025, underpinned by legally binding coverage commitments. The site deployment plans will be managed by the operators themselves to best deliver the agreed coverage outcomes by the licence obligation enforcement date.

*No heading*

Abena Oppong-Asare: What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the support available for self-employed people working in the digital, culture, media and sport sectors affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: Across DCMS sectors, over 22% of workers are self employed, making the government's Self-Employment Income Support Scheme a priority for my department. I am pleased that it has been positively received by many of our stakeholders.We continue to talk with the Treasury to help ensure that the scheme works for our sectors. This is informed by frequent discussions with our stakeholders to understand the extent to which we are reaching those most in need.

*No heading*

Daisy Cooper: If he will convene a virtual forum for representatives of (a) the creative industries and (b) political parties in Parliament to discuss Government support for the creative industries during the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: We hold frequent virtual forums and roundtables with representatives across all creative industries, including the Creative Industries Council, the Creative Industries Federation and many trade bodies, to help identify ways to support them through the crisis - most recently on Wednesday 22 April.I would happily listen to any suggestions from honourable members across this House on how to support one the UK’s most successful industries.

*No heading*

Craig Williams: What steps his Department is taking to ensure the effective delivery of broadband and telecommunications.

Matt Warman: The Government wants to deliver nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband as soon as possible.We are introducing a range of measures to deliver this ambition. The Leasehold Property Bill will make it easier for operators to deploy broadband in blocks of flats. We announced that we would be legislating to mandate gigabit connectivity in new build homes, and that we will be investing £5 billion in bringing gigabit broadband to the hardest to reach areas of the UK. To improve mobile coverage, we are investing £200 million into the 5G testbeds and trials programme. We have also announced the £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal with the mobile network operators to increase 4G coverage throughout the UK to 95% by the end of 2025.